Richard Keys has criticised Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and believes that Gunners manager Mikel Arteta has created a “real problem” for himself by demoting Aaron Ramsdale.
The beIN SPORT presenter has noted that Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya did not cover himself in glory in the controversial goal that Anthony Gordon scored for Newcastle United this past weekend.
Gordon’s goal in the second half saw Newcastle beat Arsenal 1-0 at St. James’ Park in the Premier League.
It was a hugely controversial decision to allow the goal to stand and saw Arsenal release an official statement hammering the referees.
Former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys has noted that Raya could have done more to prevent the goal.
Keys does not seem to think that the Spain international goalkeeper is better than Aaron Ramsdale.
Ramsdale was the number one goalkeeper for Arsenal at the start of the season.
Arsenal manager Arteta is now firmly behind Raya as the first-choice goalkeeper.
The Spaniard moved to Arsenal from London and Premier League rivals Brentford in the summer transfer window.
Richard Keys on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya
Keys wrote on his website: “One other thing – the debates about the goal mask another one that Arteta won’t be able to put off much longer.
“Raya is not an upgrade on Ramsdale.
“He’s poor on crosses.
“He flapped at Willock’s. He flapped one onto the bar in the derby v Spurs that led to Son’s equaliser and Mudryk’s mis-hit cross caught him badly out of position.
“Arteta has created himself a real problem here.
“‘He’s good with his feet’ they say. Well he wasn’t v Lens.
“I’m with Arsene Wenger, who said on a beINSPORTS programme recently ‘I like my goalkeeper to be able to make saves’.”
My View: David Raya needs to do better
I believe that Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya needs to improve and do better.
Yes, we know that Raya is very good with his feet.
Playing out from the back is a key component of Arsenal’s game.
However, for a goalkeeper, it is imperative that he saves shots.
Raya is struggling to do that at the moment.
The Arsenal goalkeeper does not look particularly confident when trying to claim crosses.
If Raya does not step up his game, then Arteta could be forced to bring Aaron Ramsdale back into the team.
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