Mikel Arteta's telling response when asked about Aaron Ramsdale after David Raya heroics

Mikel Arteta surprised many Arsenal fans this summer as he chose to sell Aaron Ramsdale and install David Raya as the Gunners’ number one but the decision appears to have been a masterstroke

Mikel Arteta claims David Raya’s sparkling Arsenal form is not new following his Champions League heroics.

The Spaniard is arguably in the form of his life at the Emirates Stadium. He won the Premier League Save of the Month award for his stop against Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins last month.

Raya then followed that up with a stunning double save in Arsenal’s Champions League opener against Atalanta. He denied Mateo Retegui from the penalty spot, before leaping across his line to claw away the Italian’s goal-bound header from the rebound.

Asked if Raya is now comfortable having been installed as the club’s number one goalkeeper following the departure of Aaron Ramsdale to Southampton, Arsenal boss Arteta claims Raya has always been performing this way.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, he said: “That’s a question for him. Certainly last year was already very impressive. Even with that different context for sure. This season he’s been exceptional.

“The save he made against Villa and today kept us in the game. You need that from a goalkeeper at this level. I’m really happy he’s in that form at the moment.”

Asked if Raya was the best goalkeeper in the world right now, Arteta replied: “I don’t know. I haven’t seen other goalkeepers, but at the moment he’s been exceptional for us that’s for sure.”

Raya will certainly be aiming to extend his brilliant form for Arsenal this weekend. The Gunners take on Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in what has already been touted as a potential early title decider.

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Ahead of that game though, the Spanish goalkeeper has claimed that his save against Atalanta was somewhat fortunate. Speaking to TNT Sports after the final whistle, he said: “It’s just a penalty and I was lucky to go the right way and save it.

“I was unlucky to get the rebound straight to him but I was just quick enough to get up and save the rebound. It’s fantastic to be able to keep the clean sheet and help the team to at least get a point.”

Speaking about his form in general, Raya added: “I think everyone [has helped his form], of course the players and the staff and the fans, the belief that they have in me. And Inaki [Arsenal goalkeeping coach], he’s just so confident in me. I just have to deliver for the club, fans and for everybody. I’m in a good way now, I’ve got things to improve as always but I’m in a good place right now.”

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