Arteta defends Raya amid calls that the goalkeeper should be dropped

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta defends David Raya amid recent criticisms over his error-ridden performances since replacing Aaron Ramsdale as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.

The Spain international is currently on loan at Arsenal from Brentford, and his compatriot has preferred him to English shot-stopper Ramsdale, who has held the position since signing from Sheffield United in 2021.

After a mistake that led to a goal against Lens in the Champions League, Raya was in the frame for a goal Arsenal conceded against Chelsea over the weekend.

The Gooner boss, Arteta, was asked if he thought Raya was feeling the pressure of becoming the club’s number one, and he said the following:

"I haven't seen that at all," Arteta said after being asked if Raya is under pressure per Goal.

"There is a pressure of playing for big clubs where you have to win and you have to be at your best, and you have someone next to you that is pushing you every single day. But we can go player by player or position by position - you will tell me what's happening with the left-back, the holding midfielder.

“That's the debate and that's the beauty of the game as well. And the fact that you have a lot of options is going to make those talks more frequent."

As Pulse Sports reported, Arsenal fans have asked that Mikel Arteta restore Aaron Ramsdale back to the starting lineup after Raya’s error against Chelsea.