Former Manchester United icon Peter Schmeichel has criticized Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta over his management of goalkeepers Aaron Ramsdale and David Raya.
Arteta opted to acquire Raya on loan from Premier League outfit Brentford during the summer transfer window. Consequently, Raya has supplanted Ramsdale as Arsenal’s primary choice in goal.
However, Raya has encountered a string of errors this season, prompting scrutiny of Arteta’s handling of Ramsdale, who showcased promise for the North London club in the previous season.
Following Arsenal’s recent 1-0 loss to Aston Villa, Schmeichel expressed his belief that Arteta has sowed uncertainty in the minds of both Raya and Ramsdale while they vie for the top spot.
“I think there are a couple of issues at play here,” Schmeichel conveyed to The Times. “One revolves around situations created by Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, where the manager fosters competition for the No.1 spot among two players.”
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“This demonstrates a lack of comprehension about the position. Goalkeepers require assurance that they will play regardless, fostering confidence in their performance week after week.”
“You wouldn’t want your goalkeeper constantly striving to outdo the other, feeling the need to constantly prove superiority to the manager,” Schmeichel emphasized. “However, Arteta has instilled that sense of competition in both Raya and Aaron Ramsdale.”
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