JUST NOW:Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta sends hero Aaron Ramsdale message as David Raya talks advance

Arsenal levelled things up with virtually the last kick off the game through Leandro Trossard's deflected strike before Ramsdale's decision contribution during the tense shootout.

He also made two fine second-half saves to keep out Phil Foden and Rodri from the resulting corner to prevent City from doubling their advantage before the Belgian's equaliser.

His statement contribution was the perfect response to recent transfer speculation as Arsenal continue to advance in talks with Brentford for the signing of David Raya.

The Gunners was to bring long-term target Raya in as a replacement for Matthew Turner, who is in talks over a move to Nottingham Forest despite being named on the bench.

Arteta has laid down the gauntlet to his current No.1 and all of his other players, stating they must embrace the fear of potentially losing their place in the side.

When asked if Ramsdale has felt the need to prove his worth, Arteta responded: "It doesn't matter what he has to feel like, if he doesn't feel like this we are not going to get the best out of each player.

"We have to make sure we all feel like this. He was great, we practised penalties a lot on purpose in pre-season just to be ready for this.

"We went through this against Manchester United and he didn't stop any of them and sometimes that is the learning curve that is needed to get results. I think it was deserved."

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England international goalkeeper Ramsdale believes Arsenal have now overcome a mental block by showing they can beat Premier League champions City.

He told ITV: We have been working hard [on penalties] for two years. I haven't had the luck which I needed in previous seasons but we have gone with our plans and it has worked today.

"I'm not sure [what it represents]. City are a bit behind in their pre-season. For us, it's a statement. It's a marker to know we can go and beat Man City in a big game when it matters. We have that mental block gone and we are ready now to push on for the season.”

Arteta was asked whether he felt the same about his former employers, he added: "I don't have to agree or disagree, if he views it that way that's great.

"The players clearly feel like when they're together that they can beat any team. I think we showed real determination today to fight and to win the game."

Arsenal host Nottingham Forest in their Premier League opener on August 12 at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners will be hoping to welcome back injured midfielder Jorginho to the squad after he missed Sunday's showpiece with a small muscle problem.

City, meanwhile, travel to Burnley on Friday in the first official match of the 2023/24 Premier League season.

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