DEJECTED Arsenal fans cried “we don’t need this” after watching Aaron Ramsdale on his own.
A video clip shared online showed the Arsenal goalkeepers walking on to the training pitch ahead of the North London derby.
Sky SportsAaron Ramsdale walking out for training on his own[/caption]
Sky SportsDavid Raya was joined by Karl Hein and James Hillson at London Colney[/caption]
David Raya, Karl Hein and James Hillson came out together all smiles.
But Ramsdale followed them separately with his head hung low and distinctly less jovial.
It comes after Ramsdale was usurped by loanee Raya as the No1 choice between the sticks for Mikel Arteta.
The Spaniard played in last weekend’s 1-0 win over Everton and kept another clean sheet as the Gunners stuffed PSV 4-0 – with Ramsdale dropped to the bench.
And sad Arsenal supporters took to Twitter to express their feelings about the video from London Colney and the whole situation.
One said: “We don’t need this.”
Another wrote: “I can’t take it anymore.”
A third added: “Ramsdale huffing at the back because he’s been dropped.”
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And a final user commented: “Ram’s betrayed.”
Others pointed out that Ramsdale often likes to head out on his own – and have praised the competition between two top-quality goalkeepers at the Emirates.
Raya, who arrived from Brentford for a £3m loan fee, looked assured with the ball at his feet as Arsenal made a successful return to the Champions League.
He is expected to keep his place for the crunch clash as Ange Postecoglou and his Tottenham side make the short trip to visit the Gunners on Sunday afternoon.
But Raya called on the England stopper to “fight for the team” as he appreciates the attention around the battle.
Boss Arteta also recognised it is a delicate situation – but is confident the two can push each other to be better goalkeepers.
The former midfielder, who suggested he might even sub the pair DURING matches, said: “I suffer and I care about every player who is not playing.
“But this is the competition and this is my job to make decisions in the best possible way for the team.
“In your tummy when you have players sitting [out] and you have to announce the line-up, it is one of the hardest things.”
Ramsdale and Raya are battling it out for the No1 spotThe Sun
GettyMikel Arteta admitted he might sub his goalkeepers during matches[/caption]