Why did Arteta drop Ramsdale for Raya in Arsenal's last game?

For Sunday’s Premier League trip to Everton, Aaron Ramsdale wasn’t in the Arsenal goal for the first time in 52 games.

David Raya played in goal during Sunday’s 1-0 win at Everton as Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wanted to give him a chance to prove himself.

Ramsdale didn’t play in a Premier League game for the first time since March 2022. The England international had to make do with a spot on the bench. It was his first appearance as an unused substitute in the league since August 2021.

Arteta’s decision to demote Ramsdale came only five days after the goalkeeper started in England’s 3-1 win over Scotland.

Yet, with two exceptional players vying for the same position, Arteta wants to give both Ramsdale and Raya a chance to showcase their talents.

“I cannot have two players like this in one position and not play them,” the Gunners boss explained.

“David has tremendous qualities like Aaron has, like Karl [Hein] has, but we have to use them you know.”

The 41-year-old also candidly admitted his past regrets of not making goalkeeper substitutions during crucial moments in games.

Nonetheless, Raya had a decent first Gunners outing, keeping a clean sheet to help the team defeat Everton 1-0. Leandro Trossard scored the game’s only goal in the second half at Goodison Park.

Now, Arteta must decide which keeper starts on Wednesday when Arsenal welcome PSV Eindhoven to the Emirates for their Champions League opener.