Mikel Arteta has ‘shown a lack of understanding’, according to Peter Schmeichel (Picture: Getty)
Peter Schmeichel has slammed Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta for messing up goalkeepers Aaron Ramsdale and David Raya.
Arteta decided to sign Raya this summer on loan from Brentford and the Spaniard has since replaced Ramsdale as the club’s No.1 choice.
But Raya has made a series of errors this term and Arteta has been criticised for his treatment of Ramsdale, who impressed for the Gunners last season.
Following Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday, Schmeichel told The Times: ‘I think what we’re seeing is a couple of issues.
‘One is situations like Mikel Arteta has created at Arsenal [as has Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton] where the manager wants two players competing for the No.1 spot.
‘That shows a lack of understanding about the position. Goalkeepers need the confidence that, regardless, they’re still playing next week.
‘You don’t want your ’keeper flying here, there, everywhere trying to show the manager he’s better than the competition.
‘Yet Arteta has planted that seed in the minds of both Raya and Aaron Ramsdale.’
Arteta was forced to defend Raya after Arsenal’s 4-3 win over Luton Town on Tuesday after he made two costly mistakes which led to goals.
‘The first mistake is a technical error,’ Schmeichel added. ‘Instead of meeting the ball, he’s waiting for it and Elijah Adebayo heads it in.
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‘So, he knows he’s made an error and then he’s panicky. His mind is not clear. It’s, ‘I need to show the manager…’
‘For the second mistake, the 100 per cent concentration you need isn’t there. Why not just block the shot [from Ross Barkley] with his feet?
‘Nick Pope has been doing it for ever. Pope is first and foremost a goalkeeper who just gets whatever in the way and saves it.’
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‘That shows a lack of understanding!’