“What did he do to you that you keep benching him for no reason, you’re trying to create division in this squad and it will cause a bigger problem soon”- Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger blasts Mikel Arteta for his stubborn decision to bench his top player in the game against Liverpool last week. Not Trossard, not Nketiah
Arsene Wenger, an Arsenal great, has criticized Mikel Arteta’s decision to drop Aaron Ramsdale and believes that having two competing goalkeepers will not work.
The English shot-stopper has been benched for Arsenal’s previous nine Premier League and Champions League games, with summer addition David Raya, who was brought in for his superior distribution, taking his place in goal.
However, the Spaniard has had some nervous moments with his goalkeeping and passes, most notably being lobbed by Chelsea’s Mykhaylo Mudryk at Stamford Bridge last week.
As a result, Wenger is convinced Ramsdale will have an opportunity to fight his way back into the starting XI, although he does not agree with Arteta’s choice to move away from a declared number one goalie.
On beIN SPORTS on Saturday, the great Frenchman said: “I personally like Ramsdale.” If I were in his position, I would not give up. I believe he has a chance to rejoin the team.’
When asked if he thinks Ramsdale is better than Raya, Wenger replied: “Better… better…” I’m not sure if he’s better.
‘I just think Ramsdale made key saves in the games last season.
They weren’t pleased with his feet or his distribution.
When asked if distribution or shot-saving is more essential, he replied, “To keep balls out of the net.”
‘On the other hand, when you’re in this position, you always – and this has happened to me numerous times – have a solid squad but want to improve it.
Then you glance around and wonder, “What can I improve there?” You suspect that the distribution is coming from the back.
‘It happened to me with centre-backs as well; you want a player who has better distribution from the back, but you realize he is less good defensively, and his first task is to defend.’