Arsenal coach Arteta backs keeper Raya

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta defended under-fire goalkeeper David Raya ahead of his team’s Champions League clash with Sevilla today. The Spanish coach has selected his compatriot in goal over the past few weeks and benched Aaron Ramsdale, to the chagrin of some Arsenal fans.
Raya was caught out by Mykhailo Mudryk’s looping cross which flew into the net during the 2-2 Premier League draw with Chelsea on Saturday, later making another mistake which the Blues did not capitalise on. “Errors are part of football, mistakes happen from defenders, strikers and goalkeepers,” Arteta told a news conference in Seville.
The coach said he did not think Raya was suffering in the spotlight, with some Arsenal fans chanting Ramsdale’s name during the draw which saw champions Manchester City move level on points with the Gunners at the top of the Premier League. “I haven’t seen that (he’s suffering), I haven’t seen that at all,” said Arteta, who previously suggested he might rotate the two goalkeepers but has only used Raya since handing him his debut in September.
“That’s the pressure of playing for big clubs where you have to win and you have to be at your best and you have someone next to you that is pushing you every single day. That’s the debate and the beauty of the game as well and the fact that you have other options are going to make all that talk more frequent.”
Arteta confirmed Ramsdale was available and in the squad to face Sevilla after he missed the Chelsea match for the birth of his son. After a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Lens, second-placed Arsenal are looking to get back on track in Group B.
Sevilla have proven a force at home in European competition, beating Manchester United and Juventus at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan on their way to a record-extending seventh Europa League title last season. Arsenal midfielder Jorginho said the team would need to keep their emotions in check on what was sure to be a fiery night.
“For sure they’re gonna be ready for us, and the atmosphere here is going to be hot,” the Italian told reporters. “I think it’s going to be a great game and a good test for us as well, about emotional control.”
Meanwhile, Sevilla coach Diego Alonso said the visit of Arsenal in the Champions League was an opportunity for his team and not an obstacle. The Andalusians drew their first two Champions League games against Lens and PSV Eindhoven, leaving them little leeway for further mistakes if they are to progress from Group B.
Uruguayan coach Alonso replaced Jose Luis Mendilibar earlier in October with the team struggling both in La Liga and in Europe. “What I think is that we have a great opportunity,” Alonso said. “I’m optimistic, naturally – where many people see obstacles, I see an opportunity. Tomorrow we have a great opportunity to fight for the three points.”
Alonso’s first game was a baptism of fire against Real Madrid on Saturday at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan, which he passed with a 1-1 draw in La Liga. Sevilla showed more grit than expected after a weak start to the season, just as Alonso had asked of them before the game. Sergio Ramos, 37, defended superbly in the draw against his former side and appears vital to Alonso’s set-up, after reports he was not enjoying his football under Mendilibar. The coach said it was a pleasure to have the veteran in the team and there were no problems with managing a dressing room stacked with leaders.