Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has invoked a UEFA rule he hopes will solve his goalkeeping headache ahead of tonight’s Champions League game against Sevilla.
Arteta was under pressure to recall last season’s first-choice goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale after current incumbent David Raya was at fault for Mykhailo Mudryk’s goal in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Chelsea.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 16: Mikel Arteta, Head Coach of Arsenal during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 leg two match between Arsenal FC and Sporting CP at Emirates Stadium on March 16, 2023 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
However, the Spaniard has instead opted to activate the ‘Fly Keeper’ rule which allows the goalkeeping position to be taken by whichever player is closest to their goal.
‘Fly Keeper’ is usually played in friendly football matches by children and half-p*ssed lads having a kickabout on a Sunday morning.
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After invoking the rule, Arteta told Paddy Power News that both David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale would start the Group B fixture at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
‘Not just a hat rack, eh?’, smiled the 41-year-old while tapping the side of his head with his index finger.
‘They said I wouldn’t be able to keep two goalkeepers happy’.
‘But look at Ramsdale. He’s been moved to tears.
‘Who’s that he’s ringing? He must be on the phone to his agent to tell him the good news’.
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 20: David Raya of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League match between Arsenal FC and PSV Eindhoven at Emirates Stadium on September 20, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Arteta also confirmed that defender William Saliba has offered to take a turn between the sticks after his impressive handball against Chelsea at the weekend.
‘It was a good strong hand’.
‘If only he’d shouted, ‘Fly Keeper’, before he handled it, we might have taken all 3 points, and those Spurs b*****ds wouldn’t be top of the league?’.
Meanwhile, the ex-Gunners midfielder refused to be drawn on rumours that former goalkeeper Jens Lehmann had offered his services to the club after reports the German chased both Raya and Ramsdale around Arsenal’s Colney training ground with a chainsaw.
‘No comment’, said Arteta, shortly before a whirring chainsaw blade burst through the door to his left.
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