BREAKING: Because of Aaron Ramsdale’s nervous mistakes, Mikel Arteta is to blame for Arsenal’s dominance.

It’s true that Aaron Ramsdale has made errors in the past. The mistake against Southampton at home, of course, comes to mind, but other than that one instance earlier this season, it is hard to recall any particularly awful times.

Prior to David Raya’s arrival, Ramsdale arguably had more memorable moments at Brentford that will stick in my memory for all the wrong reasons. In my opinion, it is challenging to evaluate this dynamic and how Ramsdale’s confidence has been demonstrably destroyed.

Because that’s what elite teams do, I want Arsenal to be merciless and bring in players who can improve the team’s position in the standings. Although there is no place for sentiment in this sport, the way the Arsenal goalkeeping department has handled its plan to improve a position may be better.

Raya had to wait his turn when he entered the game, but following the international break, the Spaniard virtually instantly rose to the top of the rankings, despite the Gunners’ manager’s assertions that he was still the clear favorite. The situation worsened when Raya was back in goal for PSV in the Champions League.

There was a noticeable split among the supporters as a result, with Ramsdale emerging as the unofficial number two. As hinted by his father in an interview with The Highbury Squad, he was aware of it, but it didn’t seem to be communicated to him. Fans were aware of it, and it appeared that Arteta was aware of it based on his team choices.

As Ramsdale prepared for his first start since Raya appeared to take the starting spot without challenge prior to the away trip to Everton, the conversation leading up to the game focused on how this could serve as a launchpad for him. In the pregame press conference, Arteta was even questioned about this.

He was asked if starting the midweek Champions League match against Lens was possible for him after putting on a strong showing and saving a couple of spot kicks. He expressed his hope that he won’t have to stop two penalties and that he would have a fantastic game.

He did not possess an incredible game. The mistake gave Bryan Mbeumo a chance, and an odd throw gave Brentford another chance.

Clearly, these were not the errors of an incompetent goalie. Remember that this player was recently nominated for the Ballon d’Or equivalent of goalkeeping?

These were the mistakes made by a football player who faces a lot of pressure, expectations, and narrative. It is impossible for me not to believe that the pressure on Ramsdale’s performances would be significantly lower if he were participating in the midweek group stage matches.

If Arteta is right and there isn’t a clear winner, how would a Raya for Ramsdale swap have changed the European games so drastically? I find it hard to think it would.