Pundits agree on Aaron Ramsdale verdict as Arsenal star urged to make Mikel Arteta point

Aaron Ramsdale has been urged to prove Mikel Arteta wrong after he lost his place in Arsenal's starting XI to David Raya. The England international was handed his first start for the Gunners since the Premier League clash against Brentford back in November.

The decision to drop Ramsdale in favour ofRaya came under criticism earlier this season, with the Spaniard now firmly first choice at the Emirates Stadium. However, Ramsdale has now been given the chance to claim his spot back with a rare appearance against Liverpool this evening.

Speaking ahead of kick-off, Gunners icon Martin Keown admitted he 'felt sorry' for the England international and believes the FA Cup tie against the Reds is a significant moment for him. Keown told BBC: «I felt sorry for [Aaron] Ramsdale.

»Today is significant for him because he will play back at the Emirates this season and there will be a massive ovation for him when he comes out, but it has been tricky for him. He’s had a couple of matches, and there was uncertainty within his game, and he is not relishing the situation that he finds himself in."

Fellow pundit Danny Murphy questioned whether the pressure put on Ramsdale and Raya to perform by Arteta has hampered their performance levels. The ex-Liverpool midfielder asked: «Don’t you think that is why they are underperforming because they are under pressure from the other one?»

Keown agreed, responding: «They are not enjoying the environment they are in and probably need a bit more love. Nonetheless, I think he’s been through a difficult period and I expect him to play well today.

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