Arteta warned not to make ‘ridiculous’ decision for Arsenal's next match

Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn has fired a warning to manager Mikel Arteta ahead of the north London derby against Tottenham.

Mikel Arteta must continue selecting Aaron Ramsdale in goal ahead of Bernd Leno to face Tottenham, says Nigel Winterburn.

The first north London derby of the season takes place on Sunday evening at the Emirates. Arsenal seen consecutive 1-0 wins in the Premier League since Ramsdale started in goal instead of Leno.

But the German did start in the 3-0 EFL Cup win over AFC Wimbledon on Wednesday to prompt talk of a return to the Gunners goal to face Tottenham this weekend.

“I do not see how Arsenal can leave Aaron Ramsdale out of the team this weekend,” Winterburn told Paddy Power.

“I’ve spoken quite openly about Ramsdale and watched him a lot at Sheffield United. I wasn’t convinced he was the keeper to take Arsenal forward, but he is young and won Sheffield’s player of the season.

“Perhaps he performed at a higher level in the games I didn’t watch. He’s a young keeper and if he continues to play the way he has, he will become Arsenal’s number one. There’s no doubt about it.”

The former Arsenal left-back added: “How would you explain to a goalkeeper [Bernd Leno] that you’ll leave them out for two weeks, and then guarantee their place for the next fixture, a north London derby. That would be absolutely ridiculous.

“How can you play a goalkeeper who has potentially produced two match-winning performances and then just apologize to them and replace them with someone else. Professional football is ruthless, and I don’t see that happening.”