’The worst idea in football’: Pundit surprised at what Mikel Arteta is about to do at Arsenal now
Shaka Hislop is bewildered by Mikel Arteta‘s approach to Arsenal goalkeepers Aaron Ramsdale and David Raya.
The former Premier League goalkeeper expressed his utter confusion over Arteta’s thought process, deeming his idea of substituting and utilizing his goalkeepers as the “worst idea” he’s heard in football.
His criticism came during an interview with ESPN. On Sunday, David Raya made his Arsenal debut in a 1-0 victory against Everton, prompting Ian Wright to share his thoughts on the situation.
Considering that David Raya was signed on loan from Brentford this summer, many anticipated that Aaron Ramsdale would eventually be benched.
However, it appears that as the season progresses, Arteta intends to regularly rotate his goalkeepers and even remove them during matches.
This unconventional approach by the Arsenal manager has left Shaka Hislop, a former Newcastle United goalkeeper, in a state of disbelief.
“I am thoroughly confused by what Mikel Arteta is trying to get at,” said Hislop. “I don’t understand what he is saying. About his suggestion.
“So, the reason why you drew two games is because you didn’t change your goalkeeper on 60 and 85 minutes.
“As bad ideas go, this is right up there. I don’t think I have heard a worse idea in football. I am not sure whether it’s bad to think it or worse to say it out loud. I think what he has done there, and I have said this from the get-go, is that he has certainly alienated Aaron Ramsdale.
“I said all along. If David Raya is your number one, say that. That’s my number one, that’s who I am going with. If it’s Ramsdale, say that. But this kind of playing the two off each other, I don’t think it serves either well. This has gone above and beyond what I certainly didn’t expect.”
Who starts in the Champions League – Raya or Ramsdale?
There’s a distinct possibility that Ramsdale could reclaim his spot in the starting lineup for Arsenal’s upcoming Champions League match against PSV on Wednesday night.
Whether this change occurs or not, the ongoing discussion about the goalkeeper situation is likely to intensify in the coming weekend.
The upcoming fixture is none other than the highly-anticipated North London derby against the in-form Tottenham Hotspur.
With all the attention focused on Arsenal’s goalkeepers, it’s safe to assume that if anything goes awry or if any of them commits a costly error, Arteta may find himself on the receiving end of some harsh criticism and strong verbal reactions from fans and pundits alike.
’The worst idea in football’: Pundit surprised at what Mikel Arteta is about to do at Arsenal now