By Alan Hutton

1st Oct, 2023 | 5:34am

Aaron Ramsdale set for 'extended spell' on Arsenal sidelines - pundit

Aaron Ramsdale is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines at Arsenal.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Tottenham and Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton suggested David Raya has taken over the number one spot at the Emirates.

The Gunners signed Raya from Brentford this summer but Ramsdale had been first choice for their opening Premier League games.

The 25-year-old was relegated to the bench earlier this month and was then left out of the starting lineup for the Champions League match and the North London derby against Tottenham.

He returned for the 1-0 midweek League Cup triumph at Brentford but was omitted in favour of Raya once again in Saturday’s 4-0 Premier League win over Bournemouth.

Hutton suggested being left out against the Gunners was the nail in the coffin for Ramsdale.

“When they changed it was one where it seemed like he could just be rotating,” he told Football Insider.

“He played against Tottenham which was one of the biggest fixtures for Arsenal so I would say he is the number one at this moment in time.

“Arteta has kind of spoken about it and has said there will be certain games where they are going to have to play a certain way and this was one.

“He made some outstanding saves, they are both top goalkeepers but it just feels like Raya edges it at the moment because he is better with his feet. That seems to be the only reason but it does now seem like he is the number one.

“It’s horrible for Ramsdale but he just has to keep putting pressure on the manager when he gets his chance.”

Ramsdale joined the Gunners from Sheffield United in 2021 and replaced Bernd Leno as the number one choice between the sticks.

In other news, Kieran Maguire shares verdict on Celtic fan anger after £70m reveal.