Arteta has shed light on his decision to start David Raya over Aaron Ramsdale in Arsenal’s recent Premier League match against Everton.
Aaron Ramsdale, Arsenal’s regular No1 goalkeeper, faced a change in the starting lineup as David Raya, on loan from Brentford with a purchase option, was chosen for the match. Raya, 28, joined Arsenal on a £3 million season-long loan with a £27 million option to buy in the next summer.
Ramsdale had been the undisputed top choice, starting all four top-flight matches and the Community Shield victory over Manchester City. However, Arteta emphasized the importance of having two quality options for each position in the squad.
He had previously stated the intention to ensure two strong players in every position, underlining the need for rotation and ample game-time to maximize the squad’s potential.
The manager clarified that the decision to rotate goalkeepers was in line with their strategy to maintain depth and versatility within the team.
Arsenal is facing a packed schedule ahead, making squad rotation necessary to cope with the demands of various competitions. Arteta expressed the same approach for other positions, emphasizing the need for increased game-time in the upcoming fixtures.