Mikel Arteta is facing calls to drop his goalkeeper David Raya after a poor performance against Chelsea (Picture: Getty)
Mikel Arteta insists he was pleased to hear Arsenal fans chanting Aaron Ramsdale’s name in response to another jittery performance from David Raya.
The Spain international started his fifth consecutive Premier League game following Arteta’s decision to axe Ramsdale who had spent the last two seasons as Arsenal’s undisputed No.1.
Raya has struggled to vindicate Arteta’s judgement thus far and was badly at fault for the goal which put Chelsea 2-0 ahead shortly after half-time when Mkyhailo Mudryk’s mishit cross caught the Spaniard off his line.
Arsenal eventually battled back to earn a valuable point following a late comeback, but only after Raya had almost gifted Chelsea a third with a wayward pass.
Hearing the away fans chant for his rival, Ramsdale, who missed the game after the birth of his first child, will have done little for Raya’s confidence but Arteta insists he was pleased to hear support for the England international.
David Raya endured a difficult afternoon at Stamford Bridge (Picture: Getty)
He said: Great. I love him, I will sing every day for him. We sang a lot for him yesterday because he was a father which is the most beautiful thing to do.
‘I’m so happy he has this charisma and personality and is someone who is very loved around the team.’
Despite Arteta’s apparent faith in Raya, Gary Neville fears the Arsenal manager will be forced into making a change following the former Brentford man’s mistakes.
He said: ‘His position Raya is not good enough he’s far too far forward that is not good from the Arsenal goalkeeper and that should not end up in the back of the net.
‘It’s meant as a cross for Raheem Sterling from Mudryk he doesn’t mean to chip him but the fact he can chip him isn’t right.
‘He’s too far forward there’s no doubt about that. He’s probably a yard too far off his line. He’s beyond the near post it just isn’t right.
‘Why he’s there you’ll have to ask him.’
MORE : Ian Wright hails Arsenal duo and slams Chelsea star after Stamford Bridge draw
MORE : Mikel Arteta shocked by Chelsea claim over Mkyhailo Mudryk goal vs Arsenal
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Will the England international win his place back?