Why Aaron Ramsdale and Kai Havertz benched for Arsenal vs Everton as Mikel Arteta makes big call

Mikel Arteta has made the bold decision to drop Aaron Ramsdale and Kai Havertz from Arsenal's starting XI to face Everton at Goodison Park. Summer signing David Raya is set to start ahead of Ramsdale, whilst Fabio Vieira has replaced Havertz in midfield.

The Spanish goalkeeper was signed on an initial loan deal from Brentford with Arsenal having a £30million option to make Raya's move permanent next summer. Havertz has struggled to settle into anew role at the Emirates Stadium after completing a £65million switch from Chelsea — whilst Vieira has impressed off the bench in recent weeks and has now been handed a rare start.

The Portuguese playmaker has provided two assists so far this season compared to Havertz — who is yet to register a single goal contribution. The decision to sign Raya this summer has sparked speculation over Ramsdale's future as Arsenal's No.1 goalkeeper and now Arteta is set to trial a change between the sticks.

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The Arsenal boss is a huge fan of the Spaniard for his ability as a goalkeeper and playing out from the back. Everton are notoriously a dangerous side from set pieces given their height and strength in Dyche's team.

This could be a reason for Raya starting considering he has a much superior cross-collection metric to Ramsdale. Arsenal were having an issue defending set pieces last season and Raya’s numbers would show that he would help in this scenario.

Ramsdale stopped 0.59 crosses per 90, compared to Raya’s 1.37. The Gunners are expected to have more possession against Everton and may need a goalkeeper capable of playing more difficult