The concerning Aaron Ramsdale stat that suggests David Raya deserves chance

While the signing of David Raya doubtlessly raised a few eyebrows, many believed – and still do – the stiffer competition would benefit Aaron Ramsdale.

After quickly usurping Bernd Leno between the sticks following his arrival in 2021, Ramsdale’s status as the club’s number one has never been in doubt. Leno’s sub-par comfort with the ball at his feet eventually rendered him surplus to requirements, while Matt Turner was always regarded as a competent number two.

However, out of nowhere, things changed pretty drastically in the summer as the Gunners moved for Raya and allowed Turner to depart for Nottingham Forest. Now, Ramsdale has a serious challenge on his hands if he’s to retain his status as Arsenal’s leading shot-stopper.

And while the benefits of Raya’s arrival were laid out, particularly by Mikel Arteta, we’re yet to see an improvement in Ramsdale’s performance on the pitch at the start of 2023/24.

Concerning Aaron Ramsdale stat suggests David Raya deserves chance

Raya, who was one of the Premier League’s best-performing goalkeepers last season, hasn’t seen the field for his new club. Ramsdale remains Arteta’s first-choice after his fine 2022/23 campaign which saw him earn a Yashin Trophy nomination.

However, the England international hasn’t exactly pulled himself clear of the new Spaniard in the depth chart. His displays to start the season haven’t been convincing. In truth, Ramsdale hasn’t been all that busy in Arsenal’s first four games of the campaign, yet he’s conceded four times and only been able to keep one clean sheet.

While the sample size is incredibly small and that has to be taken into consideration, Ramsdale is currently the worst-performing keeper in the division when it comes to goals prevented. According to Opta, the Arsenal man has allowed 1.8 more goals to go in than he should’ve done based on the quality of chances he’s faced.

Now, that may seem harsh given the goals Ramsdale’s conceded, but there’s no doubt he was outwitted by Andreas Pereira for Fulham’s first-minute opener and he did get a hand on Marcus Rashford’s strike last Sunday.

He’s hardly been bad by any means, no matter what the stats indicate, but we’re no longer seeing the arrogant Ramsdale who backed himself to make any save and pass in the book. It’s like he’s gone into his shell despite welcoming Raya’s arrival.

The Englishman’s form is not poor enough to warrant a dropping, and I suspect he’ll start Arsenal’s upcoming Premier League bouts against Everton and Tottenham. However, the club didn’t sign Raya for no reason and he’ll undoubtedly get his chance soon. Perhaps an opportunity awaits in the Champions League with Arsenal hosting Lens on Matchday 1 later this month.

That’s when the competition for number one status will ramp up because, as it stands, Ramsdale is losing his once-tight grip on the starting berth.