Mikel Arteta explains the controversial decision to pick David Raya over Arron Ramsdale vs Everton

Arsenal beat Everton at Goodison Park for the first time since 2017.

Mikel Arteta explains the controversial decision to pick David Raya over Arron Ramsdale vs Everton

Arteta, Ramsdale and Raya. (Via GiveMeSport)

Arsenal faced off against Everton on Sunday night, with the Gunners beating The Toffees by a goal to nil. Leandro Trossard was the difference for the away side, who were on the back of an emphatic 3-1 win against Machester United prior to the International Break. While Mikel Arteta made minor changes to his starting XI, one particular change caught the eye of football fans. The Spaniard chose to start David Raya over Aaron Ramsdale.

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Arsenal no.22 gave a solid performance in front of the goal, making important saves while also keeping a clean sheet. When asked about Mikel Arteta‘s reasons for starting the Spaniard, the 41-year-old said that he picked Raya using the same“rationale” with which Fabio Vieira started the game over Kai Havertz or Eddie Nketiah starting over Arsenal #9 Gabriel Jesus.

He also raised questions as to why the media was not questioning the decision to not start Jesus. Given, that the Brazilian player has more trophies than anyone in the squad. Further, Arteta says that what he has done is something that is done ‘historically’.

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Arteta said, “David has tremendous qualities like Aaron & Karl [Hein]. This is how it is and we have to utilize them.” He also said that he had certain regrets following his decision to not make substitutions at GK, “I didn’t have the courage to do it. We drew those games & I was so unhappy.” He was clear when he said he has two players in the same position and has no option but to start both occasionally.

Related: Piers Morgan blasts Mikel Arteta for humiliating Aaron Ramsdale by starting David Raya against Everton

Arsenal unbeaten in 6: How it unfolded vs. Everton

The Gunners faced Everton on Saturday night when Goodison Park hosted the team’s 5th match of the season. Coming on the back of a 3-1 win vs. Manchester United, Everton did no good in halting Arsenal’s momentum.

Leandro Trossard after scoring his first goal for Arsenal
Leandro Trossard after scoring his goal for Arsenal. (Via GOAL)

Mikel Arteta made a number of changes to his squad, including David Raya starting over Aaron Ramsdale and Fabio Vieira instead of new signing Kai Havertz. Arsenal managed to earn all three points after a close encounter which saw the away side triumph 1-0 for the first time since 2017.

Arsenal went ahead early in the 19th minute through Gabriel Martinelli. However, the goal was disallowed after Eddie Nketiah was caught offside in the build-up of the goal. Arsenal came close to taking the lead on multiple occasions, but the Everton defense stood firm. Finally, Arsenal broke the deadlock through Leandro Trossard after the Belgian found the top left corner from a first shot. The Belgian ran into space and got on the end of a Bukayo Saka cutback before putting it beyond the reach of Jordan Pickford.

Fabio Vieira came close to doubling the lead for Arsenal but Pickford and the Everton defense were on their heels to shut out further attacks from the away side. Their win against Everton places them 4th in the Premier League, with 13 points in 5 games. Liverpool and Tottenham also have the same number of points and are 2nd are 3rd respectively.

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