Arsenal - kaleidoscope of influence from Pep & controversial goalkeeping choices

Mikel Arteta would have learned plenty from Pep Guardiola at Manchester City but nothing more important than having the courage of your convictions.

I was shocked when he signed David Raya last summer because I'd been impressed by Aaron Ramsdale who clearly has many attributes for a goalkeeper including organisation and leadership.

Yet Arteta backed himself to make the tough decision as Guardiola had once done by ditching England No1 Joe Hart at City. I admire it in many ways because if you're a manager and believe there's a player who can improve your team, it's a big thing to trust your judgement when it won't sit well with everybody.

There was a backlash and even now there will still be some Arsenal supporters who may prefer Ramsdale. But Arteta was strong enough to make his choice and Raya's penalty shoot-out heroics against Porto was probably the final vindication, with The Gunners also having the best defensive record in the Premier League.

I've seen it suggested Arteta went for Raya because he's superior to Ramsdale with his feet but I think there was broader reasoning than that. For one thing, Ramsdale is technically good himself despite the recent error against Brentford.

I speak to goalkeepers who think Raya is probably a slightly more physical and dominant presence in commanding his penalty area. He's brave and also clearly good with his feet. But the main difference is Raya having that calming influence on the team.

The only problem Arteta gave himself was earlier in the season when he claimed they were both number ones. The majority of people in the game suspected that wasn't the case. Raya has been one of the reasons Arsenal go into this pivotal top of the table clash.

Alas for Arteta, his old boss Pep is