Ramsdale vs Raya, starting Havertz: Three big decisions Arteta faces ahead of North London Derby
Earlier on in the summer, Arsenal fans would have been relishing the North London Derby. While the Gunners were on the up having qualified for the Champions League for the first time in six years, their fierce local rivals were in a time of crisis having finally lost Harry Kane and failed to qualify for European competition entirely.
The assumption was that this could be a chance for Arsenal to inflict even further pain on Spurs after doing the double over them last season. However, it seems that things will not be so simple.
Ange Postecoglou has got off to a flyer at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, winning four of his opening five Premier League matches including an impressive victory over Manchester United. New signing James Maddison has looked dangerous, while Son Heung-min appears to be back to his best after a disappointing season last time out.
As a result, the North London Derby is far from the forgone conclusion that many thought it might be. It's crucial therefore that Mikel Arteta gets the big decisions right in terms of his team selection. Here football.london takes a look at some of the toughest choices that he faces.
There has been plenty of focus on the goalkeeping position at Arsenal over the past few days. When David Raya signed for the Gunners many thought it was inevitable that he would become the club's number one. Few thought it would be this soon though.
The Spaniard has started both of Arsenal's last two games in the Premier League and the Champions League. Many had though Arteta would look to rotate his keepers between the competitions, but after choosing Raya in both, many feel that Raya is now officially No.1.
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Aaron Ramsdale
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