Arsenal goalkeeper Ramsdale shows telling reaction to Raya’s Spurs wonder save
Raya backed to beat Ramsdale to Arsenal starting spot
Aaron Ramsdale’s reaction to David Raya’s wonder save in the first half against Tottenham Hotspur speaks volumes amid Mikel Arteta’s No 1 dilemma. Raya produced an incredible stop to maintain Arsenal’s lead against Spurs at the Emirates Stadium while Ramsdale watched on from the bench.
The 28-year-old started a third consecutive game in the north London derby, seemingly cementing his spot as Arteta’s new first-choice stopper.
After replacing Ramsdale in last weekend’s 1-0 victory at Everton, Raya kept his place in Wednesday’s 4-0 Champions League win over PSV Eindhoven.
He was given the nod again at the Emirates and repaid Arteta’s faith by producing a stunning save to deny Brennan Johnson midway through the first half.
Bukayo Saka had fired Arsenal ahead, courtesy of a fortunate deflection off Cristian Romero, but Tottenham ramped up the pressure in search of an equaliser.
And on 38 minutes, a free-flowing Spurs move saw Son Heung-min cut the ball back for Johnson, unmarked in the Arsenal box and ready to pounce.
But after the £47.5million signing unleashed a goal-bound effort, Raya got across his goalline quickly to leave viewers in disbelief, producing a stop reminiscent of one of David Seaman’s finest Gunners moments.
READ MORE Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta faces three crunch calls in huge derby vs Tottenham[COMMENT]
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
There was unsurprisingly instant intrigue in how Ramsdale reacted to the piece of top-class goalkeeping as his hold on a starting berth continues to slip.
But the England international showcased his class by raising his arms and applauding Raya’s remarkable exploits before pulling an impressed face that was likely shared around the Emirates.
Arsenal’s joy was short-lived after Son latched onto a pinpoint James Maddison pass to slot past Raya, sending the away end into a frenzy.
Both sides entered the grudge match unbeaten and tied on 13 points after equally commendable starts to the season, featuring four wins and a draw.
And they didn’t disappoint in the first half, with eye-catching action at either end of the pitch, making for eye-drawing entertainment.
DON’T MISS
Man Utd and Liverpool ‘ready to make bids’ for Ivan Toney’s £50m team-mate[TRANSFERS]
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta urged to brutally axe Kai Havertz for Spurs derby[QUOTES]
Yves Bissouma insists Ange Postecoglou was right to tell him off[NEWS]
MORE TO FOLLOW
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.
Source: Read Full Article