LiveScore Daily: Ramsdale's father criticises Arteta for No1 debacle

Cian Cheesbrough
LiveScore
Aaron Ramsdale has not played in the Premier League since September 3
Aaron Ramsdale has not played in the Premier League since September 3

LiveScore Daily is here to deliver all the big talking points from the world of football throughout the day. Keep refreshing this page for the latest stories in bite-sized chunks.

Ramsdale Snr hits out

Aaron Ramsdale's father has criticised Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta for not telling his son why he has been dropped in favour of David Raya.

England goalkeeper Ramsdale, 25, started the first four Premier League games of the campaign but has been benched in favour of Raya following his arrival from Brentford.

Speaking about the situation to The Highbury Corner podcast, Ramsdale's dad Nick said: "Aaron's lost that smile to when he was holding on to that ball at this moment in time and it is difficult.

"It really is difficult to see him there and we all keep saying, 'You need to keep smiling'.

"It's possibly the way it’s been done. Not knowing the reason why, and this is me, because we don't know why. 

"Again, Aaron is working as hard as he can. He’s trying to do his best for the squad. He's upbeat and he’ll do everything for Arsenal to try and win the league."

Ramsdale signed a new long-term deal with the Gunners in May but has been restricted to just two Carabao Cup appearances since the start of September.

His father added: "Aaron is going to be the cup goalkeeper and Raya is going to be the main man unless something happens, an injury or a sending-off. 

"Aaron's got to live with that and he is living with that even though he's not been told it. By anybody."

Emery has made me a man

Ezri Konsa has earned a place in Gareth Southgate's England squad
Ezri Konsa has earned a place in Gareth Southgate's England squad

Ezri Konsa says Unai Emery has made him a "man" and a "leader" after earning his first senior England call-up following his excellent form under the Aston Villa boss.

Having played every minute of Villa's campaign so far, which sees them flying high in the Premier League in fifth, Konsa has been drafted into Gareth Southgate's squad to face Malta and North Macedonia.

Speaking to the media at St George's Park, the 26-year-old centre-back said: "His [Emery's] CV speaks for itself. 

"When we heard he was coming we were really excited, I knew I would develop under him. He has turned me into a man, into a leader. 

"On the ball, being in the right positions, believing in myself and helping others around me."

After breaking into Southgate's plans, Konsa has his sights firmly set on earning a spot at Euro 2024 next summer.

He added: "That's every player's target, to play in major tournaments and represent your country.

"That's definitely something on my mind and something I want to do."

Trent's education

Trent Alexander-Arnold has switched between defence and midfield for Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold has switched between defence and midfield for Liverpool

Trent Alexander-Arnold is learning his "hybrid" role by watching England team-mate John Stones.

The Liverpool star, 25, is a right-back by trade but has been deployed in central midfield when Jurgen Klopp's men are attacking, enhancing his creativity and technical ability going forward.

Stones similarly switches between defence and midfield for Manchester City and Alexander-Arnold admits he admires the way his Three Lions team-mate performs the role.

He said: "I think as someone who plays the inverted, hybrid role — I don't know what people call it these days — then it is obviously John.

"He is someone who, for a long time, I have admired his game. He is exceptional, so I watch him a lot — clips or even when I am just watching City's games, I will sit and focus on him.

"I have always admired him and I admire the way [Stones' City team-mate] Rodri plays."

Townsend's new diet

Andros Townsend joined Luton on a three-month contract
Andros Townsend joined Luton on a three-month contract

Andros Townsend is going to extra lengths to prolong his playing career — including eating chicken feet for dinner.

Townsend, 32, joined Premier League newcomers Luton on a free last month after leaving Everton as a free agent in the summer.

He told BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club: "I've only got a three-month contract. Luton need to use me straight away and I need to make sure I'm fit.

"One of the best natural sources of collagen is chicken feet. 

"It tastes exactly like a chicken wing. It's low on meat, it has a lot of cartilage close to the bone. It's got skin around it. It's very nice. In China, South Africa and in Portugal, it's eaten quite commonly.

"It's 20 minutes in the steam oven and get it down you. All I know is that I am 32, I've been out of the game for two years and I feel absolutely amazing.

"In my prime at 27, 28, it would take me so long to recover after games — I'd be struggling for the rest of the week and sort of managing myself. 

"Now, I am feeling so much fresher and ready to go on Monday."

Positive signs

Moises Caicedo impressed for Chelsea against Manchester City
Moises Caicedo impressed for Chelsea against Manchester City

Moises Caicedo believes Chelsea are "growing" as a team following Sunday's 4-4 thriller with Manchester City.

The Blues snatched a deserved draw against the Treble winners thanks to Cole Palmer's stoppage-time penalty, following on from a 4-1 win at rivals Tottenham.

Summer signing Caicedo told Chelsea's website: "We're very happy with the performance of the team as City are a great side.

"We gave it our best and it was a good team performance. But of course, we would have liked to win the game.

"However, scoring a penalty at the end to draw, it shows good character and I think it has to be considered a good result.

"We're growing as a team. We're working hard together, we're listening to the coaching staff and I think step by step we're improving every day.

"We're working very hard to improve as a team and it's been a good week for us. 

"We had an incredible win at Tottenham and even though we didn't beat City, we put in a very good performance and showed we can challenge with these teams."

Find your next Pep

Clubs around the world can now turn to a unique new tool when searching for a manager.

The team behind TransferRoom have launched CoachFinder to help ensure vacancies are filled by the right candidates.

And with the average tenure of a head coach now only 235 days, it is likely to find no shortage of users.

Jonas Ankersen, founder and CEO of TransferRoom, said: "The spotlight often shines brightest on the players but the head coach is the single most important signing a club will ever make.

"Despite its importance, finding the right head coach is no easy task.

"CoachFinder will help clubs minimise risk and maximise the potential for success in the decision they make.

"Decision-makers will be able to access unique insights on a global network of head coaches, saving time and enabling smarter, data-driven decisions."

Tags

LiverpoolManchester CityPremier LeagueEnglandTrent Alexander-ArnoldJohn StonesAndros TownsendLuton TownChelseaMoises CaicedoArsenalAaron RamsdaleDavid RayaAston VillaEzri Konsa Ngoyo