Mikel Arteta stands firm on David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale decision after Arsenal criticism

Mikel Arteta has issued a defiant response to criticism aimed his way after starting David Raya ahead of Aaron Ramsdale for Arsenal's 1-0 win against Everton on Sunday. The Gunners boss has made it clear that he treats every position in the team the same and does not believe the signing of Raya will cause an issue in his squad.

Speaking after the win against Sean Dyche's side at Goodison Park, Arteta defended his decision by claiming he used the same rationale to start Raya ahead of Ramsdale as he did with playing Fabio Vieira over Kai Havertz. The Arsenal boss said: «The same rationale that Fabio played here or Eddie played instead of Gabriel Jesus.

»I haven’t had a single question on why Gabriel Jesus hasn’t started. He’s won more trophies than anyone, including me, in that dressing room, but they don’t.

«It’s something that has been historically done like this, but I cannot have two players like this in one position and not play them. David has tremendous qualities like Aaron has, like Karl has, but we have to use them you know.

»They have to play, regardless of the competition. We have to do it — this is my message."

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has been one of many pundits to speak on the goalkeeper situation at Arsenal this season — claiming he is 'not a fan' of Arteta's decision. Speaking to Sky Sports, Neville said: «I’ve said this before, I’m not a fan of competition for goalkeepers. I think you need a clear No.1 and then a clear No.2. That’s my view.

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»Obviously, I’ve experienced it at United, where we had clear No.1s and No.2s