Arteta finally explains tactical reason behind dropping Ramsdale for Raya
Mikel Arteta explained his decision to drop Aaron Ramsdale to the bench for Arsenal's north London derby clash against Tottenham is because of how the Gunners 'want to play on the day'.
England international Ramsdale starts Sunday's Emirates encounter amongst the substitutes for the third consecutive match as David Raya continues to get the nod between the sticks.
Arteta previously stated he intends to switch between the two Premier League goalkeepers and even suggested he would consider changing shot-stoppers midgame if he felt tactics required him to do so.
However, a trend is beginning to emerge with Raya appearing to have ousted Ramsdale for the meantime, and Arteta admitted he had a 'call' to make before kick-off at the Emirates.
‘It’s trying to play the way we want to play on the day. I made some calls and left some players on the bench,' the Arsenal manager said on Sky Sports.
Another surprising selection decision see's central forward Gabriel Jesus deployed on the left-wing in the absence of the injured Leandro Trossard.
Eddie Nketiah will instead lead the line and is flanked by Jesus and Bukayo Saka.
Arteta explained Jesus' adaptability meant he was the ideal replacement given Gabriel Martinelli is also unavailable.
’He felt something. A muscle tightness in training yesterday and he wasn’t able to play the game,' said Arteta.
‘Gaby’s [Jesus] very adaptable and comfortable. He gives us different things a striker playing wide'.
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