'A lot of options is going to...': Mikel Arteta reacts to David Raya's struggles at Arsenal

Arsenal faced Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Stamford Bridge. The game ended 2-2 after Chelsea took a 2-0 lead with goals from Cole Palmer and Mykhailo Mudryk in the 15th and 48th minutes of the game. But Mikel Arteta's team bounced back and equalized the score owing to the goals from Declan Rice and Leandroi Trossard in the last 15 minutes of the match.

3 things you need to know

• Chelsea vs Arsenal ended in a draw, 2-2 
• Arsenal are 3rd on the EPL table 
• Chelsea are 10th on the EPL table

Also Read: Here's A Look At The Updated AFC Champions League Standings 

Chelsea vs Arsenal: Mikel Arteta made a huge statement on David Raya

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is confident that David Raya can handle the enormous strain of replacing Aaron Ramsdale. Raya, who had just taken over goalkeeping responsibilities, was unsure about his performance in a recent encounter between Arsenal and Chelsea. Despite the obvious challenges, Arteta answered questions regarding the possible strain Raya is under.

After a questionable performance in Saturday's 2-2 Premier League draw with Chelsea, Arteta defended Raya, addressing questions about the goalkeeper's talents and self-assurance. Arteta's unwavering loyalty to Raya as he takes on the difficult task of starting as custodian for Arsenal after Ramsdale's benching is evident. When asked “whether the Spanish GK struggling to deal with the pressure of becoming the first choice?” As quoted by GOAL, he said:

I haven't seen that at all,

There is a pressure of playing for big clubs where you have to win and you have to be at your best, and you have someone next to you that is pushing you every single day. But we can go player by player or position by position - you will tell me what's happening with the left-back, the holding midfielder. That's the debate and that's the beauty of the game as well. And the fact that you have a lot of options is going to make those talks more frequent.

Also Read: Top Goalscorers Of UEFA Euro Qualifiers, Ft. Cristiano Ronaldo & Kylian Mbappe

David Raya, once a backup to Aaron Ramsdale, changed roles after the September international break. Arsenal made him their first-choice custodian, replacing Ramsdale. Raya has started every Premier League and Champions League game since this transition, playing a crucial role between the posts. This change in duty shows Arsenal's management's belief in Raya, making him vital to the squad's recent success.

What's next for Arsenal?

Arsenal are set to face Sevilla away from home in the UEFA Champions League match on Tuesday night. They are currently 2nd in the Group B of the UCL.