10 days ago Ramsdale had a really shaky performance that made it seem like Raya was the nailed-on #1 goalkeeper. Raya followed that up with a couple of solid games. Then, Raya had this performance and once again the debate is going to open up.

[–] MHPengwingz 6 points 11 months ago (2 children)

I absolutely hate that and this season's narrative is going to be defined by that. It shouldn't have been an issue to begin with. Like I thought today Rammers would thrive in this type of game with the shithousery and the crosses.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 11 months ago (1 children)

I totally agree that Ramsdale would have loved that match. I don't know if he's normally as good at catching crosses as Raya, but it seems like he enjoys the physical stuff more. And, he definitely loves a hostile atmosphere more.

Arteta really handled it badly. If he'd just said the normal thing, like "we saw a good goalkeeper available, we went for it, who's going to be the #1 will be decided on the pitch and in training". Then it wouldn't be such a big deal. But, he pretended that the two goalkeepers were going to be swapping in and out, sometimes even during a game. That led people (probably including Ramsdale) to expect that Ramsdale would get more chances. When he didn't, especially after shaky Raya performances, people started talking.

The end result is that you have Raya who looks shaky and uncomfortable, and Ramsdale who looks beaten and then tries to do too much. He had a great goalie, he bought another goalie who might be better, and the end result is two mediocre goalies who are both having issues.

It seems like selling Ramsdale at Christmas might be the best solution. It might give Raya more confidence, and let Ramsdale play while he still has a very good reputation.

[–] MHPengwingz 3 points 11 months ago

Yeah now Raya is losing his confidence a bit and he'll start questioning himself as everyone else is starting to. Timmy Howard is right, confidence is key for a keeper.

[–] Astrealix 3 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Mikel shoulda stuck to what he said, take some advice from himself. A sub here would've been good.

[–] MHPengwingz 2 points 11 months ago (1 children)

That was all bs, we all know it. In a sense I do agree with Aaron's Dad, I'm not liking how it's handled.

[–] Astrealix 3 points 11 months ago (1 children)

It was, but I don't think on paper it's a bad idea tbh. Could definitely have seen a sub here today, and I can think of more than one game where I'd wanted one by now.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 11 months ago (1 children)

@Astrealix @MHPengwingz subbing Raya would just put the nail in his confidence. It’s not gonna happen no matter what Arteta says especially if the keeper is having a stinker. Only way I could see it is if it’s 100% tactical.

[–] Astrealix 2 points 11 months ago

If it happens enough might work. Though having your keepers trying to prove themselves over the other may not be the best idea, I think it's something that could work, especially with how they're needing to use their feet and take risks anyway.

[–] ThePowerOfGeek 2 points 11 months ago

That was a fucking horrible display from Raya. I like that Arteta is showing by him support. But our goalkeeping situation is a disaster at the moment. Raya is in very poor form. And so is Ramsdale, largely because he's rusty and his confidence is shot.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

@merc @Astrealix but if Raya has an injury that leaves us with Hein??? We’d have to get another backup.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

Yeah, and unfortunately any replacement for Ramsdale will be a massive downgrade from him.