Mikel Arteta has hinted at the Arsenal transfer for David Raya, stating competition “always exists” for places, though he felt Aaron Ramsdale was “great” in the Community Shield win.
The Gunners won the first bit of silverware for the season, overcoming last season’s title rivals Manchester City on penalties in the Community Shield. City went a goal up thanks to a curling effort from Cole Palmer in the 77th minute.
But a deflected Leandro Trossard effort snuck past Stefan Ortega in the depths of ιɴjυɾу time to sєɴԀ it to penalties. The Gunners won the shootout 4-1, scoring each of their penalties, while Kevin De Bruyne missed and Ramsdale saved Rodri’s effort.
After the game, Arsenal boss Arteta hailed Ramsdale for his role in the win.
“He was great. We practice penalties a lot on purpose in pre-season to be ready with this. We went thɾօυɢҺ disappointment against Manchester United and we didn’t stop any of that,”Arteta said viafootball.london.
It was then suggested Ramsdale may be feeling the pressure, with amove for Brentford goalkeeper Raya edging closer, which would give him direct competition.
“I hope not because the competition always exists whoever it is. That’s how it has to feel like,” Arteta said.
Indeed, while it’s been suggested Raya will be a threat to Ramsdale’s position, Matt Turner could have been that. It’s worth remembering Ramsdale was not the definitive no.1 when he joined, but usurped Bernd Leno, so more competition may be healthy.
The manager also indicated the last-gasp nature of the win was the best way the triumph could have come about.
“It feels great. I don’t think it gets much better than winning a trophy in the way we’ve done it,” he added.
After overcoming City for the first time in his managerial career, Arteta will want to take that confidence into the season.
Of course, City pipped the Gunners to the Premier League title last term, so this win was a ȿτɑτємєɴτ that Arteta’s side are capable of overcoming them, and that could be a crucial thought to keep with them as they look to better their rival side down the stretch this term.
