Mikel Arteta finally explains tactical reason behind dropping Aaron Ramsdale for David Raya ahead of the north London derby while Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah play together for the first time

Mikel Arteta explained his decision to drop Aaron Ramsdale to the bench for Arsenal’s north London derby clash against Tottenham is due to how the Gunners ‘want to play on the day’.

England international Ramsdale starts Sunday’s Emirates encounter amongst the substitutes for the third consecutive match as David Raya continues to get the nod between the sticks.

Arteta previously stated he intends to switch between the two Premier League goalkeepers and even suggested he is considering changing shot-stoppers midgame if he feels tactics require him to do so.

However, a trend is beginning to emerge with Raya appearing to have ousted Ramsdale for the meantime, and Arteta admitted he had a ‘call’ to make before kick-off at the Emirates.

‘It’s trying to play the way we want to play on the day. I made some calls and left some players on the bench,’ the Arsenal manager said on Sky Sports.

Ramsdale (pictured) starts on the bench for a third consecutive match while David Raya (right) starts

Raya was brought in to provide competition amongst Arsenal’s goalkeeper ranks and appears to have begun cementing his status as Arteta’s trusted No.1. 

Meanwhile, another surprising selection decision see’s central forward Gabriel Jesus deployed on the left-wing in the absence of the injured Leandro Trossard.

Eddie Nketiah will instead lead the line and is flanked by Jesus and Bukayo Saka.

The decision could prove to be a piece of tactical genius or a possible huge mistake by Arteta with Nketiah and Jesus playing together for the first time in one of the biggest matches of the season.

Gabriel Jesus will start on the left-wing for Arsenal against Tottenham at the Emirates

Eddie Nketiah has been chosen to start upfront for Arsenal in the north London derby

Both have usually competed for the central striker position in the role, with Jesus usually preferred and Nketiah often drafted in to provide injury cover for the Brazilian. 

Arteta explained Jesus’ adaptability meant he was the ideal replacement given Gabriel Martinelli is also unavailable. 

’He felt something. A muscle tightness in training yesterday and he wasn’t able to play the game,’ said Arteta.

‘Gaby’s [Jesus] very adaptable and comfortable. He gives us different things a striker playing wide’.