Hislop: Arteta has made huge mistake in creating Arsenal No1 debate

Shaka Hislop believes Mikel Arteta has made a significant error by claiming he has two No1s in David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale.

Raya has been a mainstay in Arsenal's Premier League and Champions League XIs since his debut against Everton on September 17, with Ramsdale having to make do with just two appearances since — both in the Carabao Cup.

Hislop believes the Gunners boss has created a "bad situation" ahead of their crucial trip to Newcastle on Saturday evening.

The Ex-Magpies stopper told LiveScore: "I think Arteta has made a huge mistake by saying he's got two No1s — it doesn't serve either goalkeeper well.

"Kevin Keegan wanted two No1s when I was at Newcastle with Pavel Srnicek and it certainly didn't help me. It puts that element of doubt in your mind.

"At Arsenal, Raya — who I think is a fantastic goalkeeper with his speed — is playing a bit within himself and making mistakes.

"Whether you think Ramsdale is a better goalkeeper or not, that's another debate. But what we can't argue is that he was a key figure in a very successful Arsenal side last term.

"Then six games into this season he finds himself out of the team — and now Raya is making mistakes which aren't really getting punished.

"So it's just made for a really bad situation. But if I'm Ramsdale, I'm not thinking about moving in January, I'm waiting for my chance — because chances are going to come."

Rice and easy

Hislop acknowledges Arteta made a great call in signing Declan Rice, though, who is set to return to Arsenal's XI at St James' Park.

He said: "Rice is one I got wrong.

"I thought he was outstanding at West Ham but when I saw £105million I thought, 'Goodness me, the Hammers have done a job there'.

"But Declan's been worth every single penny so far and it's easy to underestimate the value of a defensive midfielder.

"My word, he's playing for a bigger club, with more pressure on him and he's gotten even better."

Don't fear the Guns

Despite Rice's positive impact on Arsenal's midfield, Hislop wants to see his former club Newcastle attack Arteta's men and not resort to playing on the counter.

He said: "This Newcastle team are better when they are playing on the front foot, playing the attacking football from last season that the fans appreciate so much.

"[Against Arsenal] I do not want to see them sit back and soak up pressure, like they did against Manchester City.

"Alexander Isak is going to be out injured so Callum Wilson will be up top — and he is far better with his back to goal.

"He's not going to give you that threat on the counter-attack, so play higher up the park, let Wilson receive the ball in and around the box."

One player who has shone in Eddie Howe's attack this season is forward Anthony Gordon, who — like Rice — has proven Hislop wrong.

He added: "I was highly critical of Gordon last season. I just thought he didn't fit in at Newcastle.

"But this term he has brought so much energy to the team, he's been a real asset and proven me wrong.

"His physicality, the way he can play out on the flank and centrally, he's been really good."