West Ham star explains exact moment Aaron Ramsdale’s Arsenal patience will run out over keeper conundrum

West Ham United star Michail Antonio has given a comprehensive analysis of how Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale will be feeling having lost his starting spot between the sticks to new arrival David Raya.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta caused one of the season's biggest stories so far when he removed England international Ramsdale from the starting line-up after a fantastic season last time out in favour of loan summer signing from Brentford David Raya. The Spaniard came into the side for the fifth match of the season and has started every Premier League game since.

Ramsdale appeared to have taken the decision in his stride, even seen applauding Raya for his performances, but some supporters and pundits wondered if the eager show of support could be a font for discontent at the situation.

Mikel Arteta did acknowledge frustration on Ramsdale's part after first making the choice. He said: "I understand [his frustration] and it's very difficult for every player. He's been very supportive and good around the place and that's what I expect from every single player because when you're on the field there is someone else who's not so it works both ways. So far he's been very good.

"It is hard and with other players, it's the same. Aaron is an exceptional character and has a charisma and aura around him and we all know that. We have to deal with that but I need to make a line-up to prepare for the game."

Speaking on the BBC Sounds' Footballers' Football Podcast, Antonio analysed the situation and suggested that should Raya make any mistakes and Ramsdale not be returned to the starting XI, the situation could worsen. He said: "That's normal in football, to be honest. It's okay if a player isn't doing well and you get your opportunity. If the player isn't doing well in front of you and you're not playing, that's when it becomes a problem.

"In football, there's always going to be competition, there's always going to be the next person coming through to take your spot, it's just whether you're doing it well enough to stay in your spot. That competition is fine, the problem is when you are doing well and then you lose your spot or the person in front of you is doing well and you don't get an opportunity - those are the only two reasons someone can lose their head in football.

"As a manager, you want someone who can just step in, at the same talent level as the person who is playing. You don't want to lose a player via injury - because injury happens - and the next person is just not as good enough. You want a person that can step in and do the job as good as the person you've lost. That's one thing City have had over the last few years."

Antonio went on to compare the situation at Arsenal to the current goalkeeping conundrum at West Ham, where Alphonse Areola has ousted Lukas Fabianski in the first-choice role. The Hammers man admitted that a lack of spotlight on David Moyes' choice had perhaps helped, where it may have worsened things at Arsenal.

He said: "The spotlight doesn't help. They're trying to make a rift between the players. At the end of the day, they are all one squad, one team, they want the team to do well. He makes a good save, they're buzzing. They're helping the team achieve something.

"I feel like this one has been so big because of how well Arsenal did last year and Ramsadle was their number one. The fact that they brought in Raya and just threw him in, the media has made it more than it actually is. At the end of the day, the manager makes the decision and he's chosen to put Raya in. It's just what it is."