Mikel Arteta goalkeeper plan criticised by Arsenal icon Arsene Wenger: 'It doesn't work'

Aaron Ramsdale has been ousted by David Raya's as Gunners custodian
Marc Mayo31 October 2023

Arsene Wenger has admitted his doubt in Mikel Arteta's plan to create more competition between Arsenal's goalkeepers.

David Raya was signed on an initial loan deal from Brentford in the summer despite Aaron Ramsdale being regularly praised for his work between the posts.

However there have been a few nervy moments for the Spanish shot-stopper since he was installed as Arteta's new first choice, despite the manager insisting he is open to regularly rotating between the two.

When asked if a club should designate a first-choice goalkeeper, he told BeIN Sports: "Always.

"That’s my belief, I don’t believe in rotation with goalkeepers, I don’t believe in a lack of clarity of the hierarchy with goalkeepers. That doesn’t work."

Ramsdale is likely to take the gloves for Arsenal's Carabao Cup trip to West Ham on Wednesday.

Wenger gave his opinion on why Arteta made the decision to opt for greater competition in the role.

"I don’t know if [Ramsdale]’s better," he said.

"I just think Ramsdale has made decisive saves in the games last season. They were not happy maybe with his feet, his distribution."

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