Arsene Wenger, former Arsenal manager has claimed that Mikel Arteta’s choice of goalkeeper rotation was a wrong decision.
The legendary manager has criticized Mikel Arteta’s opinion on dropping Aaron Ramsdale, while the Frenchman speculates that having two competing goalies can work.
Aaron Ramsdals, the English shot-stopper has been dropped to the bench for Arsenal’s previous nine games across the Premier League and Champions League, with summer acquisition David Raya who attracted coach Mikel Arteta due to his better ball distribution skill wanted between the sticks.
Meanwhile, the Spanish International has had several courageous moments, both with passing and goalkeeping abilities.
However, he made some mistakes recently during a match against Chelsea where he was lobbed by Chelsea’s Mykhaylo Mudryk at Stamford Bridge last week.
Arsene Wenger is optimistic that Ramsdale will have a chance to force his way back to the Gunners starting lineup, while he disagreed with Arteta’s decision to move away from an established number-one shot-stopper.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, 28th of October, the legendary manager said; “I like Ramsdale. If I was in his position I would not give up. I believe he has the chance to come back into the team”.
The 25-year-old Ramsdale started the season as the Gunners number one, appearing in the first four English Premier League games.
However, he was later replaced by 28-year-old David Raya in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
Raya was reportedly signed for his better ball distribution ability but has met scrutiny after some blunders, most recently in a 2-2 draw against struggling Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Raya recorded his fifth clean sheet of the 2023/2024 campaign in Arsenal’s 5-0 triumph over Sheffield United on Saturday, 28th of October.
The victory carried Arsenal within two points of English Premier League leaders Tottenham.
Arsene Wenger led Arsenal from 1996 to 2018 during which he played numerous matches and won several collective and individual honors.
Wenger was asked if he believes Ramsdale is better than Raya, and he replied: “Better… better… I don’t know if he’s better”.
He added; “I just think Ramsdale has made decisive saves in the games last season”.
Speaking on whether a club needs an experienced number one, Wenger said; “Always. That’s my belief, I don’t believe in rotation with goalkeepers, and I don’t believe in a lack of clarity of the hierarchy with goalkeepers. That doesn’t work”.
What’s next for Aaron Ramsdale?
The England International will be looking for a chance to confirm his worth when Arsenal lock horns against West Ham in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday, 1st of November.
