Aaron Ramsdale’s ‘wind-up’ antics cost him his Arsenal place, claims former Gunners Premier League winner

AARON RAMSDALE’S “wind up” antics have cost him his place on the Arsenal squad, according to former Gunner Gael Clichy.

The English shot-stopper has fallen down Mikel Arteta’s pecking order since the arrival of Brentford loanee David Raya this season.

This summer saw Raya make the move across London as Arsenal secured an initial loan with a pre-agreed fee of £27m at the end of the season.

Initially, there was a feeling when the deal was announced that Raya was coming to the Emirates to provide competition for Ramsdale.

However, in a matter of weeks, the Spaniard has forced his way into the first-team and consigned Ramsdale to a place on the bench.

But former Arsenal left-back Clichy believes Ramsdale’s “wind-up” personality has forced Arteta to sideline him as a way of keeping him “humble”.

Clichy told Genting Casino: “Ramsdale plays with his head up and can wind up the opposition fans.

“Those qualities are great, it shows character, but if you go over the line then it can become an issue.

“I see this as a way of Arteta keeping Ramsdale humble and reminding him that Arsenal have not achieved anything yet.

“And now he’ll ask Ramsdale to prove to him what he’s made of.”

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Raya featured as Arteta’s No 1 again in Tuesday night’s Champions League clash against Lens.

However, the shot-stopper failed to keep a clean sheet as the Gunners lost 2-1 to the French giants.

The former Premier League-winning Arsenal star Clinchy went on to say Raya coming in is only a test for Ramsdale.

He added: “Arteta bringing in David Raya is the same situation, he doesn’t want Aaron Ramsdale to relax.

“Ramsdale was the only goalkeeper competing for the number one spot, now he has tough competition.”

The former Man City star even compared Arteta’s management to Pep Guardiola.

He added: “Mikel Arteta has shown again why he’s a copy of Pep Guardiola.

“One of the main qualities of Pep Guardiola, he’s ruthless, he doesn’t care who you are.”

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk