David Raya makes his first Arsenal start with Aaron Ramsdale relegated to the bench for the Gunners’ clash with Everton… as Fabio Vieira replaces Kai Havertz in the starting XI and Eddie Nketiah keeps his place ahead of Gabriel Jesus

David Raya is set to make his first start for Arsenal when they travel to Goodison Park to take on Everton.

The former Brentford goalkeeper joined the Gunners’ this summer to provide competition to Aaron Ramsdale for the club’s No 1 spot.

Meanwhile fellow new arrival Kai Havertz has been replaced in the starting XI after notching an assist on international duty as Germany defeated France in a friendly, with Fabio Vieira taking his place for the clash against the Toffees. 

Mikel Arteta also once again decided to stick with Eddie Nketiah up front, with last season’s marquee arrival Gabriel Jesus named on the bench.

The changes come following a week where the Gunners’ boss explained that he was forced to involve himself in training due to the club having a number of players available, with the 41-year-old taking training matches this week as cover.

Meanwhile Kai Havertz was replaced by Fabio Vieira in the only other change from the club’s 3-1 win over Man United before the international break

Eddie Nketiah retained his place up front, with Gabriel Jesus starting the clash at Goodison Park on the bench

‘Well it was forced! It was nothing that I wanted to do, but yeah, we had one or two players and some academy players that could not join.’ He told Sky Sports.

Arteta’s decision to sign a new goalkeeper raised eyebrows this summer, particularly with Raya being unlikely to be deployed as a traditional backup given his sizeable reputation after earning plaudits during successive Premier League campaigns with the Bees.

Last month ex-England goalkeeper Ben Foster questioned the decision to challenge Ramsdale’s No 1 spot, calling the move ‘pathetic’.

‘He’s [Ramsdale] been a top goalie for two years. He’s on the edge of being England’s number one with Jordan Pickford, he’s right there. 

‘When he’s full of confidence and he’s got a manager putting his arm around him, he’s as good as anyone in this country.’