In the summer transfer window Arsenal made the headlines, signing Brentford's highly rated David Raya on a season-long loan. This was controversial, as the Gunners entered the campaign with two "number one" goalkeepers. We explain why this transfer was Mikel Arteta's biggest mistake of his managerial career.
Why Signing David Raya Was A Huge Mistake
Arsenal signed Raya in August, despite North London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, having a £40 million bid rejected just weeks before.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the club will trigger a £27 million buy clause in 2024 - as it was already agreed due to Financial Fair Play plans.
Why Did Arsenal Sign Raya?
Arsenal and Arteta largely decided to sign Raya due to his abilities as a "sweeper keeper".
Whilst both keepers had strong seasons, and were relatively matched on shot-stopping ability, the Spaniard appeared to be more "progressive" and "modern" with the ball at his feet.
Critics of Ramsdale would've argued that his mediocre end to last season contributed to the loss of the Premier League title. Arguably, Raya was better at catching crosses, commanding his box, and distributing the ball - both long and short.
In theory, this should've helped Arsenal bridge the gap to the likes of Manchester City, in terms of playing out from the back.
A Rocky Start
Of course, this praise for Arteta's new goalkeeper has not yet translated into reality on field.
There have been numerous occasions of sloppy performances. He was constantly pressurised by Manchester City (and should've been punished for it), had an error leading to goal against Lens (resulting in a loss), and conceded a very questionable goal to Mykhaylo Mudryk.
Raya's Arsenal career so far has not particularly excelled that of Ramsdale's. This was exemplified by his disastrous performance against Luton Town.
The final result was 4-3 to the North London outfit, but the goalkeeper was at fault for two of the goals conceded. If not for a 96th minute Declan Rice winner, he would've cost the side two points.
During Luton's second goal, from a corner, Raya comes out to claim the cross. However, he completely misjudged the ball and allowed Elijah Adebayo to head home into an open net.
During the third, Ross Barkley fired the ball down the centre of the goal from a tight angle. Raya attempted to get down quickly but instead lets the ball in, from a very saveable shot.
Ramsdale's Performances
Ramsdale started the season as "number one", and performed averagely: starting four games and keeping one clean sheet. A mistake to concede within a minute in a 2-2 draw against Fulham, was the perfect opportunity for Arteta to start his new and improved goalkeeper.
Raya was of course ineligible to face his parent club Brentford, and so the England international started against the Bees.
However, Ramsdale was constantly pressured and lost the ball on countless occasions. In fact, he was lucky that both Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa missed great chances.
It's clear that the keeper has dropped a level since last season.
A Crisis Of Confidence?
To quote former US President Jimmy Carter, the problem is "a crisis of confidence".
Raya knows that at any given moment, he can be replaced with Ramsdale. Arteta even said in an interview that he regretted not substituting goalkeepers on multiple occasions.
This will not only knock the goalkeeper's confidence, leading to potential mistakes, but may also cause him to stop coming for crosses, and stop his ambitious distribution. Yet these were the exact qualities he was signed for. Raya has certainly not reached his Brentford levels yet, and one factor of this must be his confidence.
On the opposing hand, Ramsdale has also certainly lost some self-esteem. His father spoke in an interview: "Aaron's lost that smile".
It was clear in that Brentford game that he panicked, and consequently lost possession. Perhaps a loan spell January may help bolster his confidence.
Conclusion
Having two "number one" goalkeepers has certainly impacted on the level of both. In an impressive Arsenal career, this is Arteta's biggest mistake.
With the club set to sign Raya in January, it seems impossible to then sell him. The suitable conclusion seems to be to let Ramsdale move on. This should raise Raya's morale, as he will finally know that his place is secure.
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