‘He is fit to start today,I can’t drop Him because fans want Him out’: Mikel Arteta hints he’ll start ‘really, really impressive’ £30m player for Arsenal tonight
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has leapt to the defence of David Raya despite the Gunners gummer signing having made a number of mistakes lately.
The Arsenal boss, speaking to the press ahead of the Premier League trip to Aston Villa, says the new Gunners goalkeeper has been “really, really impressive”.
Raya made two mistakes which nearly cost Arsenal the game against Luton in midweek.
Alfie Doughty’s in-swinging corner tempted the 28-year-old to come off his line to try and catch the ball inside his six-yard box.
However, Elijah Adebayo got there first, rising high above the Arsenal goalkeeper to head the ball into the Gunners net.
Raya then made another mistake for Luton’s third, Ross Barkley’s shot squirming under him just a few minutes later.
The Arsenal goalkeeping situation is somewhat tense at present, with the Gunners summer signing keeping previous first-choice stopper Aaron Ramsdale out of the XI.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta keeps faith in David Raya
Arteta was asked – as transcribed by football.london – whether Raya has been affected by Ramsdale and the No. 1 debate.
“Maybe because of the debate, but I think when you look at his form and what he’s achieved since he’s been with us, it’s been really, really impressive,” he said.
“What can I say? I have three great goalkeepers. I’m really happy. I have great wingers. Some of them are on the bench but the questions are not related to them. I have to accept that.
“We have to support our players, protect them and get the best out of them. I focus more on that. All our players deserve the right love and support. He has had that for sure and will continue to.”
Raya, who’s set to cost Arsenal £30million if they sign him from Brentford – a £3million loan fee plus £27million – began brightly at the Emirates Stadium.
And while some errors have crept into his game, it looks as though Arteta has made his mind up as to who his new first-choice stopper is for the long term.
Let’s see what happens in the January transfer window. Ramsdale could well look to move on, which would pose a headache for Arteta as he’d then lose an amazing goalkeeper and would need to find a new No. 2.
