Arsenal legend, Emmanuel Petit, has criticised manager Mikel Arteta’s decision to swap his two goalkeepers – Aaron Ramsdale and David Raya – this season.
Petit insisted that Arteta’s decision to pick Raya as his number one choice of goalkeeper over Ramsdale would bring egos and trouble in the team’s dressing room.
Arteta has shocked Arsenal fans with the way he is handling Raya and Ramsdale this season.
Ramsdale was the undisputed starter for Arsenal last season, putting in spectacular performances to help the Gunners finish second position in the Premier League table behind champions Manchester City.
However, Arteta decided to further strengthen his goalkeeping department by signing Raya on loan from Brentford in the summer.
Many expected that the former Manchester City assistant coach would gradually introduce Raya but he took everyone by surprise by throwing the Spain goalkeeper straight into the mix.
As it stands, Raya appears to be Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper as he has featured in more games than Ramsdale so far this season.
”I don’t like the decision Arsenal made in regards to swapping their goalkeeper,” Petit told OLBG.
“I didn’t like it when PSG did it with Gianluigi Donnarumma and Keylor Navas, either! It puts trouble in the team and in the dressing room. Egos, as we know, are very big in football.
“Ramsdale played well last season and he has done a great overall job since joining the club. Raya has been put into the first eleven straight away, even after making a few mistakes.”
“It must be hard for Ramsdale to cope with this situation! He can fight, but apart from that, what can he do? At the end of the day, Raya will play even if he makes mistakes. I don’t like this situation.”