Mikel Arteta wants to normalise changing goalkeepers during a game after Arsenal beat Everton – ‘I will pick them’ –
Mikel Arteta fiercely defended his decision to switch goalkeepers after giving David Raya his professional debut. In order to normalize the idea of not having a reliable No. 1 goalkeeper, Arteta benched Aaron Ramsdale and even changed goalies throughout the game. In the UEFA Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven, the Gunners will now divert their focus away from the Premier League.
Aaron Ramsdale was benched in favor of David Raya for Arsenal’s match against Everton, and Mikel Arteta suggested treating the goalkeeping position similarly to the outfield.
The Arsenal manager challenged the idea of having an established No. 1 shot-stopper in the team by starting the summer signing in goal.
Following the 1-0 victory at Goodison Park, Arteta stated in the post-game press conference, “I haven’t received a one inquiry on why Gabriel Jesus hasn’t started. “He’s won more awards than anyone in that locker room, even me, but they never inquire as to why I didn’t choose him.
“It’s something that has been historically done like this, but I cannot have two players like this in one position and not play them. David has tremendous qualities like Aaron has, like Karl [Hein] has, but we have to use them you know.”
The Arsenal boss expanded on his idea about not being afraid to change his goalkeepers should the need arise.
“It’s like this,” he said. “I’m a really young manager. I’ve been in this job three and a half years and I have few regrets with what I’ve done.
Arteta reflected more on the game as a whole and ending Arsenal’s Goodison Park hoodoo, with this their first victory there since October 2017 – a run going back five games.
“We talked about it, this is the challenge. For six years we haven’t won here and there are a few reasons for it,” he added to Sky Sports.
“It’s how you do things and the input you do in every single action. I think we played an incredible game, we kept them quiet and created many, many chances, The first (disallowed) goal, as well, should be allowed. We dominated the game and we are extremely happy to go away with a win and a clean sheet.”
