‘I disagree’: Jamie Redknapp hits out at what he’s now heard being said about Arsenal star after Chelsea draw
Jamie Redknapp disagrees with the notion that Aaron Ramsdale should exit Arsenal, as he feels that David Raya’s performance against Chelsea on Saturday, during which he made a significant mistake, illustrates the team’s need for a remarkable comeback to secure a point at Stamford Bridge.
Aaron Ramsdale was absent from the game due to personal reasons.
However, one might have expected the 25-year-old to be on the bench regardless, considering that he had recently lost his starting position as the number one goalkeeper in the team.
Mikel Arteta’s trust in David Raya has led to some speculating that Aaron Ramsdale may have to contemplate leaving Arsenal in the near future.
Many were taken by surprise when Raya quickly assumed the number one position, and his performance thus far hasn’t exactly proven he deserves the role.
Jamie Redknapp urges Aaron Ramsdale to stay at Arsenal
David Raya’s most significant error occurred on Saturday when his positioning allowed Mykhaylo Mudryk’s cross to sail over him and find the back of the net in the early moments of the second half.
In addition, the 28-year-old also came close to handing a goal to Cole Palmer shortly after the previous mistake. In light of these incidents, Jamie Redknapp believes that Aaron Ramsdale should exercise patience and wait for his opportunity at Arsenal rather than considering a departure.
“A lot’s going to be said about Aaron Ramsdale now. But I actually think, forget Ramsdale for a second, what’s actually happened with this has made [Raya] look worse. He looks like a bag of nerves right now,” he told Sky Sports.
“David Raya is really struggling with the pressure and scrutiny that he’s under. He’s giving the ball away. He’s looking like he’s always going to concede goals. This hasn’t helped him, this situation.
“People said he should leave, Aaron Ramsdale. I disagree, I think he should hang in there. Because I’m not convinced, the way he’s given away so many goals. He’s complicated a situation that he really didn’t need to, Mikel Arteta.”
It will be intriguing to observe Mikel Arteta’s true assessment of Raya’s performances. Aaron Ramsdale appeared to be performing reasonably well in the weeks before he lost his starting position, but evidently, Arteta felt it wasn’t sufficient.
Arteta might be of the opinion that maintaining faith in Raya is the best approach to rebuild his confidence. However, it’s hard to argue that Raya is currently delivering a strong performance.
Jamie Redknapp’s perspective is understandable. Yet, if Ramsdale doesn’t reclaim his spot in the team by the time the January transfer window arrives, the player who cost £30 million will undoubtedly start to question whether he ever will.
‘I disagree’: Jamie Redknapp hits out at what he’s now heard being said about Arsenal star after Chelsea draw