Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard welcomes the elevated competitors inside the squad – highlighted by supervisor Mikel Arteta now selecting to rotate his two goalkeepers – as he believes it is going to make them stronger.
David Raya, who signed on mortgage from Brentford and on whom the Gunners have a £27million choice to purchase, made his debut within the 1-0 victory at Goodison Park, which prolonged their unbeaten begin to 5 matches.
It means England worldwide Aaron Ramsdale’s place as established primary is prone to be challenged over the approaching weeks, however Odegaard stated that precept ought to apply to the entire squad.
That was evident as Leandro Trossard got here off the bench for the injured Gabriel Martinelli to attain the one objective within the second half, however it’s the place of goalkeeper which is about to stay the most important speaking level.
“I think it showed the depth in the squad now. We have so many quality players, the players on the bench can come on and change the game if we need it,” stated the Norway worldwide.
“The competition for places is huge and I think that is a great thing for us and helps a lot.
“You see in training every day the quality we have so everyone has to be on their best every day in training and that’s a good thing and will help us improve as a team as well.”
On Ramsdale’s response to being dropped at Goodison Park, having began England’s pleasant victory over Scotland just some days beforehand, Odegaard added: “I think he will just keep working hard, like he is always doing.
“He was there supporting us, cheering for us, helping us. He is a great character and he showed a very good response today by backing his team-mates, being there and giving us energy.
“Excellent from him. We have two good goalkeepers there and it’s big competition.
“Two top goalkeepers, different qualities, and both so good on the ball and in the goal as well.
“We are lucky to have two such good goalkeepers and we will see who will play, but both of them are excellent.”
Victory at Goodison Park, the place they’d not received of their earlier 5 visits, was psychologically vital to maintain tempo with the remainder of their top-four rivals and the style of the efficiency, having to grind out three factors regardless of not being at their finest, was pleasing for the Gunners captain.
“It was a tough one. We knew it was a tough place to come, it’s been a tough place for Arsenal for a long time, but I think we did really well and deserved the win as well so very happy,” he added.
“It’s a tough team and they play a bit different, and we had to deal with a lot of different things.
“But we knew it would be a tough game, but were ready for it and I think we did really well on the pitch to fight and get the goal in the end so credit to the team and happy for the win.”
