Chris Sutton has offered his insights on the performance of an Arsenal player this season, indicating that Mikel Arteta may need to reconsider his stance on having two top-class goalkeepers at the club.
In recent months, David Raya, on loan to Arsenal with an option to buy for approximately £30 million, has made a significant impression.
Despite Aaron Ramsdale’s strong performances and a new long-term contract at the end of the previous season, he lost his starting position to Raya early in the current campaign, surprising many.
While Arteta initially hinted at rotating goalkeepers regularly, Ramsdale has only made one Premier League appearance since Raya’s league debut for Arsenal, and that was in a match against Brentford, for which Raya was ineligible.
As Arsenal prepares to face Brentford again, Ramsdale is expected to start.
However, Sutton suggested that there is no longer any debate over who the number one goalkeeper is at the club.
Sutton acknowledged speculation from outsiders about the Ramsdale/Raya debate but asserted that Arteta has firmly stuck with Raya, who has been exceptional for Arsenal.
Sutton also speculated that Arteta might regret his earlier comments on goalkeeper rotation, as the situation seems to have settled with Raya as the preferred choice.
Raya’s consistent performances have dispelled any doubts that arose, especially after a challenging game against Luton in December.
Now, it seems likely that Arsenal will make Raya’s move permanent, particularly if his form remains high, indicating he could be a fixture at the Emirates even after Ramsdale’s departure.
