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3 things to watch as Arsenal take on Nottingham Forest
As Arsenal kick off their Premier League season on Saturday against Nottingham Forest, there is much excitement and expectation around the Gunners’ fan base.
3 things to watch as Arsenal take on Nottingham Forest
As the side takes the pitch at the Emirates for the first time in 2023/24, here are three things to look for during this match.
David Raya's move to #AFC should be finalised in time for Saturday. My understanding is that, while it's an initial loan (as reported by @TheAthleticFC), the expectation is absolutely that it will become permanent. £30m package. Deal structure is mainly due to payment timings etc
— Sam Dean (@SamJDean) August 10, 2023
1. How Raya’s arrival affects Ramsdale
Aaron Ramsdale, by all accounts, had a really good season last year, so much so that he was selected to represent the Three Lions at the 2022 World Cup.
Arsenal are now on a title quest and while he may start the season as the number-one choice, the arrival of David Raya on a loan deal with an option to buy from Brentford speaks loud.
While Matt Turner was a decent number two, there was really no pressure from the American international to supplant Ramsdale. Raya’s arrival is similar to when Ramsdale arrived and Bernd Leno was the club’s first choice. Ramsdale quickly usurped the German, and Leno was later sold to Fulham.
When you’re competing for a Premier League title and are in the Champions League, every little mistake counts at the top level. Ramsdale was good but he faltered somewhat down the stretch last season and some might argue Raya was the better-performing keeper out of the two in 2022/23.
Will Ramsdale look over his shoulder or will he thrive with someone threatening to take his job?
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