Why David Raya isn’t playing for Arsenal vs Brentford

After some questionable displays earlier in the season, David Raya has firmly established himself as Arsenal's first-choice goalkeeper.

There was an interesting battle between the Spaniard and Aaron Ramsdale for the jersey in the opening months of the campaign, but Raya has clearly won the war.

However, the 28-year-old will not feature against Brentford in Saturday's late kick-off as the Gunners hunt down a first Premier League title since 2003/04, with Ramsdale coming back into the fold against the Bees.

Why David Raya won't play against Brentford

Raya has become an integral part of a stern Arsenal defence since the turn of the year, with no goalkeeper having kept more clean sheets than his nine in the Premier League this season. However, Mikel Arteta will have to cope without him on Saturday.

That's because Raya is still technically on loan from Brentford despite Arsenal having an option to buy the stopper at the end of the season, meaning he is ineligible to face his parent club. Therefore, he will be sidelined for the upcoming match, as was the case in the Gunners' two previous meetings with the Bees earlier this term.

Ramsdale will be called upon in his absence, with the Englishman having kept clean sheets in two 1-0 victories over Brentford already this season. The 25-year-old was a strong performer for title-chasing Arsenal last year, but has only featured in five league matches this campaign.

However, he remains a very strong deputy for Arteta and will be hoping to claim a third consecutive shutout against Brentford.

Arteta's comments about Ramsdale replacing Raya

Arteta spoke of his confidence in Ramsdale during his pre-match press conference, highlighting the former Bournemouth and Sheffield United stopper's professionalism despite losing his place in the side.

"He’s fully prepared. He’s training every day," Arteta said. He’s desperate to play like the rest of the boys that haven’t had that many opportunities. Saturday will be a great opportunity for him.

“He’s (Ramsdale) been brilliant. He’s been really supportive and pushing in training every day like I expected. It’s a joy to have two top goalkeepers in the team.

"One of the toughest things is dealing with the players that don't have the game time they deserve. Not only Aaron, but there are many of those.

"We have an unbelievable group of players. We try to be straight, explain things, be close to them and give them support. Then when they have the opportunity, they want to contribute to the team in the best possible way. That's what Aaron will want to do on Saturday."

Raya and Arsenal's recent form

Arsenal's form has been exceptional of late, minus a blip against Porto in the Champions League, but much of the credit should likely go towards their backline of Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel and Jakub Kiwior, rather than towards Raya.

Indeed, the Spaniard has had a watching brief for the majority of Arsenal's last five Premier League games, where he's had to make just three saves. That spell has included conceding goals to Liverpool and Newcastle United, though both were games the Gunners comfortably won.

Ramsdale will hope for a similar afternoon against Brentford, but the Bees do have Arsenal target Ivan Toney up front - he'll be keen to impress against his potential future employers.

READ THE LATEST ARSENAL NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP