An Adebayo goal on Friday guaranteed that Arsenal’s David Raya will win the Golden Glove this season.
If you’re a goalie who’s kept 15 clean sheets, it seems backwards to critique that player. Yet Aaron Ramsdale’s 14 clean sheets last campaign were not enough to stop him from being dropped.
David De Gea won the prize 12 months ago not conceding in 17 league matches yet was released and is yet to find employment. That tells me that how many games you keep the ball out of your net isn’t the only state that should be considered. If it was, last campaign’s top 4 based on that criteria would be playing every week, at the very least one would have a place of work.
That’s because Pep Guardiola has set such standards in England that the margin between success and failure is so small. Your keeper making a couple of mistakes the difference between being Champions or not.
That’s why the decision to commit 27 million to Brentford on a position that didn’t need improving confused some Gooners. Ramsdale made errors in the run in this time last year and that was enough for his manager to give up on him.
Arsenal invested 30 million on a 23-year-old with Arteta and Edu (as former players) aware he played in a position where you don’t peak till your past the age of 30. In other words, if your choosing your number 1 to be so young, you are accepting that he’s learning on the job, he’s not the finished article, and your prepared he’s going to make the odd howler. If you then authorise the club to give that youngster an extended contract with a pay rise it seems bizarre to then ask for any more money to be spent on the same role, especially when those funds could be used to improve other areas of the squad.
Our boss is known for being ruthless. Those who have worked for him say he’s not the type of character who feels the need to put an arm found a shoulder and explain his thought process.
Ramsdale and his father maintain that zero reason has been given for the omission or any areas given to improve on. So, the 14 clean sheets were not enough for the Spaniard to ignore other concerns he had.
Harsh – but if that’s his expectation, then he should have the same for everyone.
I have always noticed inconsistencies on how the 42-year-old man manages.
Some talent have contracts ripped up; others get paid over the odds to stay. He judges some for wanting to fight for their place but is content for others that are happy to be paid to sit on the bench.
So, if 14 clean sheets wasn’t enough to save Ramsdale from being frozen out, Raya with 15 clean sheets should be held to the same criteria. Especially considering he’s made more howlers then the man he replaced.
In Europe, he passed the ball for Lens to score, in Porto was beaten from 35 yards.
At his parent club, an ongoing issue was his starting position being too far off his line. That cost us points at Stamford Bridge, Saint James Park and in the North London Derby at the Emirates.
Do we ignore any of that just because of the clean sheets?
That luxury wasn’t afforded to Ramsdale.
The 28-year-old was responsible for two of Luton’s goals, passed the ball to Romero last Sunday and the official saved him from another gaffe this weekend. When we beat Man City in October his kicking was all over the place, at one point kicking the ball at Alvarez, only luck not letting that moment result in a goal.
Is that acceptable just because we won those games?
Is Ramsdale’s identical moment of madness against Southampton any worse then what Raya did at the Lane, just because we got away with it?
At 3-3 against the Saints, Trossard hit the bar. If his shot is a fraction lower would that have excused Ramsdale’s performance?
If Spurs had got it back to 3-3, we would blame Raya for costing us the title. Because they didn’t do, we just pretend it didn’t happen?
I don’t take anything away from Raya’s contributions but do question if all those shut outs are down to him or the fantastic back 4 that has been built, Declan’s Rice ability to win back the ball, and how quickly we win back possession.
When I judge the best keepers in the division, I think back to who has made that save, so good it’s the equivalent of a goal?
Name me a Raya performance where you can say he’s won us points?
To be fair, him having a quiet afternoon is a good thing and testament to our tactics working.
Yet for a Golden Glove winner I have named a lot of times where his decision making has cost us, and I think we should be learning from that.
As part of his loan agreement from Brentford it’s believed we are obliged to pay the agreed transfer fee. So, there is no point debating Raya’s future in North London.
Yet it seems to me we have spent another 30 million to fix something that wasn’t broken.
Has the improvement been that drastic?
For a Golden Glove Winner, he’s made a lot of mistakes.
Dan
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, please contact us through this link…
This article is a whole wad of distraction now that we are all thinking of what miracle to invoke against Manchester City snatching the EPL crown from our grasp!
@CoporatMan. I totally agree with you. We need more articles relating to how to finish the season high and get the fans excited wether we win Epl or not. It’s all about how can banish the goast of how we seldom win at Old Trafford. Raya already won what he wants to win.
It’s seems these howlers are unique to a particular type of goal keepers, they are the same mistakes made by Edisson and Allison from Man City and Liverpool respectively.
So you won’t find the gaffer sweating over these issues, maybe it goes with the territory, if you ask me.
Bit harsh on Raya. He’s made some howlers but it feels like there have been fewer than Ramsdale, and quite a lot fewer when it comes to situations where a goal was conceded.
Can you name them
Why the obsession with Ramsdale? He is forgotten, and he is definitely leaving the club.
If we go by your argument, neither Raya, nor Ramsdale would be at Arsenal, because we had two fantastic goalkeepers in Martinez and Leno
Ramsdale made two mad mistakes against Brentford. One went in, another saved by Declan Rice.
Last season;
Mistake against Southampton
Mistake against Aston Villa ( That goal straight from the corner)
Mistake against Sporting Lisbon
And by the way, do you think it’s a coincidence that since Raya came in, no big team has beaten us?
Raya is our goalkeeper now
Yes he has made a lot of mistakes but I think the slim distinction between Raya and Ramsdale is Raya’s composure and ball distribution. I bet you if it were to be Ramsdale on goal against Spurs, it would have been 3-3. Because after that error he would have gone into his shell
But would he have made that error in the first place?
Ramsdale’s contract runs out in 2026 and to quote him “I can’t imagine home being anywhere but here (The Emirates).”
I’m still not convinced he will leave.
Next season we will be playing in the CL, PL, FA and League Cups.
If MA promises him that he will play in the CL and domestic cups, I see his love for the club will be enough to keep him to the end of his contract at the very least… it’s what MA says to him that counts.
Want to bet then Ken? I say he WILL leave this summer.
He knows it will be pointless to stay.
He’s not a fool and will naturally put his career above any loyalty he MAY feel. In any case, with two years remaining onhis contract the club can ask a decent fee and get one.
Ken, I would think that if Arteta rates Raya high enough to want to replace Ramsdale, it would be unlikely he would promise Ramsdale he will play in the CL. No?
Possibly John63, but I’m of the opinion he doesn’t want to lose Ramsdale, hence my suggestion that we will see him play in games not involving the PL.
Arteta has made it clear that Raya prevents threats before they occur and I hazard it is because of his ability to claim crosses, play as sweeper keeper and give an aura of calm at the back and this was his reputation previously at Brentford and not a new phenomenon. All keepers will invariably make mistakes because that is how goals are scored. Whilst the Ramsdale debate had currency during the start of the 23/24 season it is such a mute point with 2 games to play in the current season. Infact not sure what response you want from say Arteta and his coaching staff should they read your opinion piece? Should they publish and explain again why they have Raya in goals and not Ramsdale?
Against Bournemouth at the weekend when Gabriel messed up on the half way line. I don’t know where Raya came from to close down and kick the ball away. He he saved Gabriel’s blushes in that instance. He played as a sweeper there.
But to be honest I don’t see too much between Raya and Ramsdal, but Raya seems to be much more mature, calmer and doesn’t let the occasion get to him a lot. Once he makes a mistake he will get himself together and try to relax. Ramsdale will be panicking and nervous after making a fowler or two, he lets the occasion get to him.
That’s a big difference. That word CALM. He’s calm and level headed. Ramsdale sometimes create panic in the defense.
I think the problem is with the author of the article who definitely prefer ramsdale to raya ao couldn’t see from the same lense as the coach.
And for your claim of error made ……wow!!! Try to check it again and more over our style of play means such mistakes is inevitable and, believe me, have seen worst from top GK like neur, Allison and co.
I agreed, though, that ramsdale bench role is harsh but he’ssstill young compare to raya and he can go out albeit loan next season for more playing time. … We don’t have to sell him.
If Ramsdale were loaned out for his age, that could be another greater option.
A lot rests with the Manager’s assessment of his situation.
Reality shows that idea is a total non starter. We will need the money from RAMSDALES SALE, which plainly WILL happen this summer.
Why loan him out? He still would not be the starter when he returned, and we would not get any transfer fee this Summer.
It is a sale, and I don’t blame Ramsdale if he wants to go.
Duarnd doesnt it show how SOME fans dont think fully.
A loan was never on the cards ; it would be no benefit to any one and just wastetransfer money we WILL receive when he IS sold this summer.
A shame it had to come to this but football is like that.
The manager MADE his decision between them and I for just one, have accepted it
. I also agree with it and have become aconvert to RAYA having watched our much improved defence for almost a whole season with him in it.
Its the right decision that he leaves, which he will.
Jon
Yes Arteta has made his decision between the two, and no way Ramsdale will go on loan; it does not benefit him or the club.
I am almost positive that Ramsdale is off this Summer; he is too talented to sit and never play, and Arteta has no intention of having a competition between the two.
Hopefully we can get enough of a fee for Ramsdale to cover the fee of Raya AND the fee to bring in a backup GK.
Maybe Arteta can settle on a keeper as we are on our 4th GK in his 5 years in charge.
This is strange one. Firstly well done to Raya and the defence. A great achievement. BUT. Personally I think Ramsdale was easily capable of doing just as well, if, in my opinion, better. The goalkeeper situation for me, is more muddled now than when we sold Martinez. From my point of view, I just did not get it and still don’t. Raya isn’t justifiably better than Ramsdale and thats my problem. Arteta tried to fix a problem that was not there.
All seems to be ending well for the club. At this point in time, that’s all that matters!!
I’m very encouraged that Ramsdale has been very professional about his situation. That keeps making wish a plan be hatched to keep him for the long-term involving some loan deal as someone suggested up there if it suites him and the manager.
Ramsdale will leave. So, yet another keeper coming in as a no2. Raya and Ramsdale this season as a pair, very good. That will not be the case next season. As I say, my opinion is Ramsdale is actually a better goalkeeper than Raya. Our goalkeeper situation has been a muddle, since the start of the Arteta era. Goalkeepers win leagues, its not something that should be messed with.
Maybe the point was to replace Ramsdale with a better GK; in terms of composure and distribution among others.
Can you honestly say Raya has shown more “composure” than Ramsdale? I cannot see it if I’m being honest.
In terms of distribution, I would give a slight edge to Raya, but not to the point I would spend 27 million to acquire that slight edge.
Shot stopping has to go in Ramsdale’s favor. Sure they both have had gaffs, but how many top class saves has Ramsdale made for us?
How many top saves has Raya made for us? I would say his gaffs and being caught out of position outnumber the top saves he has made.
It is Arteta’s choice who he goes with, he is the manager. However, no one, not even Arteta can convince me Raya is an upgrade over Ramsdale.
A lateral move at best, but not an upgrade in my opinion.
Disappointing that Ramsdale never had a chance to compete with Raya, and see who was the better keeper.
Thats how I see it.
Arteta didn’t need to explain anything…Ransdale did it for him when he admitted that he finds it hard to maintain concentration. There’s no way Arteta was going to prioritise a keeper who needs to wind up opposition fans to stay alert during a game.
Agreed! That unwise , even foolhardy and immature statement effectively signed RAMSDALES DEATH WARRANT as our keeper.
But how things have changed. I remember when Arteta and Edu paid more than £30 million for Ramsdale after getting relegated with Sheffied. Most of us were all questioning why Arteta wasted £30 million on an average, overpriced English goalkeeper that got relegated.
But the narrative has changed and now they are questioning him on why he dropped Ramsdale as he is such a better keeper. He is mistreating him etc..
Very good point Goonster.
I genuinely can’t see the point of comparing both keepers after this amount of time. It solves nothing and as only a few think that Ramsdale is vastly superior then why rock the boat now?
And how you and your ilk were on the neck of anyone questioning that transfer, how you sang Ramsdale praises until you lost your voices, yet when Arteta dropped him so did you all. Mercilessly rejecting and throwing him under the bus.
What does that tell us?
That you don’t care about any signing as long as its Arteta who made it. He may sign a tree and you will put Christmas lights on it and lauded it as the signing of the century, the best thing since the discovery of the fire.
You are lying when you accuse others of changing their narrative (why am I not surprised, is that you Jinbo?). They are not saying Ramsdale is the best keeper, rather Raya is not an upgrade. If they said Ramsdale is bad, they haven’t changed their opinion rather they are saying Raya is just as bad so why was he bought?
You say narrative has changed, what about your narrative?
When you point a finger at someone, remember your other three are pointing at you.
Well put
Arteta isn’t overlooking howlers but he prefers Raya’s game out of the realms of “howlers” than Ramsdale’s.
And it’s no surprise. We are quick to praise our CBs, especially Gabriel that he has weeded out the odd howlers in him, but only very few can coorelate the change in GKs position having to anything with it. Has anyone who seem to see Raya as not a substantial upgrade over Ramsdale, have given a thought that maybe because of Raya’s aerial superiority and the insane number of crosses he has snuffed out without our CBs breaking a sweat is probably one of the big reasons our CBs have faced less such clutch scenarios within the box that usually bring out those odd howlers from them. Raya vs Ramsdale is a simple issue for me, because of Ramsdale’s not so confident handling of the crosses into the boxes, our CBs have had to face several close quarters tricky defensive scenarios that invite panic in even the most seasoned defenders. With Raya on goal, we have substantially less such scenarios which help our CBs keep their cool throughout the game and perform even better. That’s the only thing I find Raya does substantially better than Ramsdale. In other areas, there are comparisions to be made but not substantial.
It might be an unpopular opinion but Raya is one of the reasons our CBs have been spectacular in decision making. Raya saves them from having to be in shitty wrestling matchups within the six yard box that usually causes panic in CBs and bringout those bad decisions. SoI see the golden glove, a just reward for Raya’s services this season considering how good pur defense has been.
All of Dans article , as well argued as it is, is simply a fans opinion, valid all thE same but not of any actual use, in thelight of the FACT that our manager MA prefers RAYA ands will go on doing so. whatever ANY of us thinks onJA.
We can criticise, moan, carp and quarrel, but ultimately lifes REALITY dictates that what MA says, goes!
And not a single person on here has a smidgeon of clout. And IMO, thank goodness for THAT!!(speaking generally)
There is a threshold beyond which strategies and tactics become so nuanced only the players and manager get it. Only problem is us fans sometimes make a mistake of crossing that threshold yet not being nuanced enough to actually understand or see what’s going on. That experience of crossing the threshold but not being nuanced enough, can provide different insights to different individuals. Some may come to the conclusion that there is no threshold at all, and now they see nothing happening as they lack nuance. Some see the nuances, and think they can understand and make judgements, some, very few, actually realize that there is so much more to what they see that it requires them to invest as much time and effort on learning and understanding the game as the players and managers themselves, wisely deciding that let the pros handle football, and let us fans enjoy the sport.
I prefer snow to rain, but slush can be nice too.
It would be helpful if the obvious analogy you used could made CLEAR as to EXACTLY what it is supposed to mean!??
The short version, I don’t like this kind of articles.
Didrik, Still got no idea what you meant to say.
But , not to worry, if you’d rather not tell me, thats fine!
tell me you don’t don’t know ball without telling me you don’t know ball, son.
you’re english boy is history so move on because the spanish man is going nowhere – you’re welcome.
and yes i know i made a typo with you’re instead of your before english and no i won’t use capital letters where appropriate.
Would you mind please explaining exactly what you are talking about?
Yes, it means more or less the same as your opinion above.
I don’t see them train or interact with the group of players and staff. But I have seen more or less all our matches, including the pre season, and from my point of view Raya is overall a better and more experienced goalkeeper than Ramsdale, especially with his feet. There’s not a huge difference and both have pluses and minuses.
If we win the league or became 2nd we will be closer to Manchester City than last season, and there will be progression. Raya has been part of this progression which tells me in general terms that Arsenal FC is better with Raya between the sticks.
But as you already have written our opinions have no influence, and our manager is making the decisions. His decision making is based on a much broader perspective than ours.
Just seen this post So thanks for explaining. It NOW makes sense!
Golden glove is irrelevant to me as there are far too many variables for it to be meaningful. To my eyes as much as I like Ramsdale, Raya seems to command his area better and comes more for crosses. I also think his distribution is better.
GB, I agree ,having watched him now for almost a whole season.
He is safer with crosses and his distribution is FAR better and more sure.
The fact he has needed to make so FEW saves of any quality compared with RAMSDALE also shows me the defence as a whole is sounder with him in it. I am a RAYA convert therefore!
I agree with your general point about the award. The award reflects the performance of the defence as a unit rather than just the efforts of the goalkeeper. As you point out there are a number of aspects of goalkeeping where Raya seems better than Ramsdale.
The reason, in my opinion, why David Raya won his award, has much more to do with the DEFENCE in front of him, than the saves he made during the season.
It is in fact, a TEAM award!!!!
I suggest that, Ramsdale would have won the award this year, playing behind that defence!!!
the villa game at home could cost us the title Raya was pants for the goals simple as not brave enough on 1st slow on the second
Have to disagree
How can you cherry pick one instance over the whole season that Raya’s performance on that one day could cost us the title? We weren’t invincible up until that point
Is it one instance though Sue ?
If Spurs had got it back to 3-3 we would be looking more into his howlers
Dan
IF. The thing is that Spurs didn’t get back into it.
I agree with you Dan. But I think this article is best served at the end of the season. Right now, every Gunner is hoping and praying for the slip up by city. Focusing on a player now seems a distraction to our collective interest, biko.
I dont think what I write or don’t write impacts the team mate
For me that a lie, Rambo was one of the reasons we lost the league last season, and maybe u forgetting he almost did it again this season against the bees but got saved by King Kai so I don’t get u, and the only game this season raya almost gave the game away was against Luton away and don’t forget cause most of u criticizing raya have forgotten that he didn’t have preseason with us he had to adjust to the boys in between the season, come on give raya is proper flowers, he won the golden glove after missing the first four games and not playing against the bees. Imo raya has been fantastic this season I repeat again give him is proper flowers without the this and that in it
Arsenal all I see
Tell me one keeper who had never made a howler? It is about the connection that the keeper has with his defenders that matter. I for one felt more at ease when Raya is in the sticks despite his flows than when Ramsdale is.
A keeper in Arteta’s system has to do a lot more than stop shots on goal. He has to organize the defence, he has to be an extra outlet when we play teams that press high, he has to be good with his feet and calm on the ball, and he has to distribute the ball intelligently.
I can see why Arteta prefers Raya for most of these qualities.
One aspect of Arteta’s management that’s particularly frustrating is his favouritism. For instance, he persisted with Raya despite early mistakes that cost us points. The same pattern applies to Havertz. If we had invested in a better goalkeeper and a more effective forward/midfielder, we could have been some four points more ahead of City by now. I’m convinced Ramsdale and Smith Rowe would have filled Raya and Havertz roles better.
It would be commendable if Arteta stuck by all the players, but unfortunately, that’s not the reality. Smith Rowe, who could excel in midfield and as a forward, have been given limited opportunities. Saliba were nearly sold and was probably saved by fan and media pressure.
While Arteta is undoubtedly a talented coach, he needs to address his favoritism and adopt a more objective approach.
I disagree.
Arteta must feel that Raya fits the way we play better than Ramsdale despite the mistakes. That is not favouritism.
Finding the best role for a new player to the team is also not favouritism. Particularly during the latter part of the season Havertz has been one of our most effective players.
When was Saliba “nearly sold”?
You say that Arteta is talented but then do a hatchet job on him for having favourites.
Don’t you think that our league position and steelier players are testament to what Arteta brings?
As for Saliba nearly being sold, that is a new one on me. Loaned out, but never for sale.
He is talented. Favouritism is his weakness. If he overcomes that, he’ll be as good, or greater than Pep
Some people only remember the worst when it comes to keepers and conveniently overlook all the terrific match-winning saves and stops.
@Jax
Spot on mate, we have a stong squad and it will get stronger. We need all our players and I love both our goalkeepers.
With our defence, Ramsdale may have had more clean sheets, I don’t think Raya is the answer for Arsenal
sorry the world has moved on, Raya staying, Ramsdale going
Most people forget the goal keeper is part of the defense.
Move on
Arsenal are the best form of the last 10 years or more, playing football we only dreamed of even two years ago, showing the ‘bottle’ to go all the way
Raya is part of that transformation, perhaps not the most important part, perhaps even the smallest part, but he has delivered what he was brought in to do and there is no way in a million years that Arteta is reverting back to Ramsdale
apologies for the harsh [but obvious] truth, time to all move on including Ramsdale
Last night, in the Champion’s League semi final between Bayern Munich & Real Madrid, one of the world’s great keepers, Manuel Neuer, fumbled the ball allowing Madrid to score. Will Bayern supporters now demand he’s sold off or dropped? Only Dan could tell us!!!
the beauty of what Arteta/Edu have constructed is that the Arsenal goalkeeper really doesn’t have that much goalkeeping to do
that is why as the ‘extra man’ with the ball at his feet Arsenal can benefit, like a 12th man on the pitch
when Arsenal in possession Raya is like an extra member of the back four, allowing RB and/or LB to move forward and create overloads
Ramsdale just isn’t that guy with ball at his feet
again, the game has moved on, too fast for some on this site who don’t seem to understand Arteta’s strategy and system
This is just your opinion. Here is mine
1. Age doesn’t matter much, talent is more important. How old was Petr Cech when he took the Premier league by storm? Ramsdale was not replaced because of his experience but for his mental strength in difficult situations.
2. Yes, Raya is not one of the very best in the world but he brings calmness to the defence compared to Ramsdale. Ask any defender what they want in a goalkeeper
3. Arteta upgraded a position. Is Xhaka not good? (He is currently unbeaten after 49 games at Bayer Leverkusen). Is Rice not an upgrade? Guardiola loves his players enough to let them go and replace them with better ones. That’s why he keeps winning. I’m beginning to have reservations for the Ramsdale bandwagon.