Mikel Arteta‘s side know all too well just how difficult a trip to Villa Park can prove to be with Arsenal dropping points in both fixtures against Unai Emery’s team last season.
However, the Gunners did not make the same mistake this time around as they put another three points on the board to keep pace with Manchester City.
Edu Gaspar is looking to make the north London side even stronger this summer as Arsenal close in on a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.
So far so good, but it was certainly not smooth sailing for the entire 90 minutes at Villa Park with Arsenal up against the ropes at times.
And there was something which Gary Neville has admitted after the game he has got seriously wrong when it comes to the Gunners.
Gary Neville admits he was wrong about David Raya decision at Arsenal
It may have been three points and a clean sheet for Arsenal in the end, but they can certainly thank their goalkeeper for his efforts in keeping Villa out.
There is a lot of talk about a new backup goalkeeper being signed this summer as Arsenal show an interest in Joan Garcia.
But David Raya has now cemented his spot in the Arsenal side as their number one and pulled off another staggering save against Villa.
Speaking after the game, Neville admitted he may have got it wrong when it comes to the decision made by Arteta to have two number one goalkeepers at the club.
“To be honest with you, the only thing, I mean, I complained at the time. What I complained about was this idea that you have two number ones and that they compete for a place. I don’t believe that happens,” said Neville.
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“But what they’ve done with the goalkeepers, I think, in what he’s done with Raya, is such an important position, it is vital.
“If you have uncertainty in your goal, you’ve got a real problem. And David Raya has had a brilliant move. Obviously, the move was completed this last summer that we’ve just gone through, but he’s definitely now the number one. In the end, it’s proven to be the right decision.”
Aaron Ramsdale now set for Arsenal exit
In the space of the last year, it has become very much evident that the former Brentford goalkeeper has now replaced Aaron Ramsdale in the starting XI.
And now it is time for the England international to move on in search of some more regular game time.
Ramsdale has received interest from the likes of Southampton this summer who could offer him a loan with the obligation to buy if they stop in the top flight.
Even the former Gunners goalkeeper Emi Martinez has urged Ramsdale to leave Arsenal this summer and find a club where he is loved.
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