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David Raya Aaron RamsdaleGetty/GOAL

'I need to f*cking change' - David Raya reveals turning point in Arsenal career and explains 'goalie union' relationship with Aaron Ramsdale

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  • Raya reveals turning point at Arsenal
  • Realised he hadn't been himself
  • Discusses Ramsdale relationship
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Speaking to the Seaman Says Pod hosted by Betway, Raya discussed Arsenal's game at Luton in December 2023, when the Gunners won 4-3 despite an uncertain performance from their goalkeeper. The Spaniard believes that was the worst performance of his professional career and when he knew he had work to do to survive at the Emirates.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    There was considerable pressure on Raya that season after Mikel Arteta promoted him above Aaron Ramsdale as the club's number one goalkeeper. The 29-year-old is adamant his relationship with Ramsdale was always good, even when the two were fighting for the same shirt.

  • WHAT RAYA SAID

    Raya said: "We go back to last year, it was like an adaptation year. I think we saw one David before the Luton game, and one David after Luton. That was a turning point of when I was at my lowest. That was the worst game I ever played as a professional. I just said to myself, 'I need to f***ing change.' My relationship with Aaron was top. I never had a problem with him and he never had a problem with me. Being a goalkeeper is so difficult because you work with your teammates every day and it's only one position."

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    WHAT NEXT FOR RAYA AND ARSENAL?

    Raya has established himself as undisputed number one since and is part of an Arsenal team attempting to hunt down Liverpool at the top of the Premier League. The Gunners are seven points off the pace with 13 matches to play ahead of Saturday's game against West Ham.

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