Mikel Arteta has refuted Gary Neville’s remarks regarding David Raya feeling the pressure as Arsenal’s new primary goalkeeper.
Raya, 28, has assumed the position on loan from Brentford, displacing Aaron Ramsdale as the Gunners’ first-choice goalkeeper. During the recent 2-2 draw with Chelsea, which Ramsdale missed due to becoming a new father, Raya faced criticism for errors, including his positioning during Mykhailo Mudryk’s cross that led to Chelsea’s second goal.
In his commentary on Sky Sports at Stamford Bridge, Neville remarked on Raya, saying, ‘It’s becoming intense for him. He has that look on his face like, “help”.’
However, when asked about whether Raya was feeling the pressure before the Champions League game against Sevilla, Arteta responded, ‘I haven’t seen that from Raya. I haven’t observed that. That’s the pressure of playing for prominent clubs. You must win and perform at your best, with someone beside you pushing you every day.
‘But if we were to analyze position by position, you would ask me, “What’s happening with the left-back? What’s happening with the holding midfielder?” Have you already asked Jorginho a question? Gabriel Jesus, there’s another question. That’s the debate. This is also the beauty of the game, and when you have other options, these discussions occur more frequently. Errors are part of football, and mistakes occur, whether from defenders, strikers, or goalkeepers.’
Raya has conceded six goals in the seven games he has played since replacing Ramsdale, but he is expected to retain his place for the Champions League match in Spain on Tuesday night.
‘Gareth Southgate, the manager here, is excellent; he places trust in the players he has worked with before, as we’ve seen in different situations – you’ll see that Kalvin [Phillips] and Harry [Maguire] haven’t played the most minutes, but when they step up for England and are given the opportunity, they deliver.
So, if I am granted the trust to play another game for England when I haven’t played for my club, I will have to repay that trust.
However, I naturally aim to return to my club’s lineup. I want to regain my place in the club team and give the manager a selection headache rather than simply having Jordan [Pickford] as the England number one while I fall by the wayside.’
After the Sevilla trip, Arsenal will host Sheffield United in the Premier League on Saturday before traveling to West Ham in the League Cup the following Wednesday. Ramsdale has openly expressed his frustration at being relegated in the Arsenal pecking order, especially out of concern for his spot in England’s squad for the upcoming European Championships.
Ramsdale was asked about the possibility of losing his place in the Euros squad and responded, ‘Yes, of course, it is the first time I have found myself in this situation.'”