David Raya insists he always backed himself to become Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper – but admits he does not know if he will start Sunday’s north London derby. The Spain international joined the Gunners on loan from Brentford this summer in a switch which, in all likelihood, will be made permanent for £27million next year. Raya was signed to compete with Aaron Ramsdale for the gloves and made his Arsenal debut in last weekend’s 1-0 win at Everton, retaining his place in the team for Wednesday’s 4-0 Champions League victory over PSV Eindhoven. Arsenal’s decision to recruit the 28-year-old to battle it out with Ramsdale drew criticism and caution from some pundits but manager Mikel Arteta believes he can keep both happy. Asked if he had to believe he could oust Ramsdale after the England goalkeeper’s strong showings last season, Raya replied: “Of course, it is something every player has to do – to back yourself to get in the team and that is why I moved to Arsenal and try to do my best for the team when I’m selected. “You never know when you’re going to play and that is the hardest thing to do. Making your debut for a club like Arsenal, and obviously having Aaron as a team-mate makes it a bit harder for you, but it came quick but you never know when it is going to be and you have to be ready. “It is a dream come true to play at the highest level so I’m very pleased to make my debut, but the main thing was the result and we got the three points in the end, so that is the main thing.” Raya will be widely expected to keep his place between the posts for Sunday’s Premier League clash at home to Tottenham, even with Arteta claiming he has considered swapping his goalkeepers during matches let alone rotating between fixtures. Making your debut for a club like Arsenal, and obviously having Aaron as a team-mate makes it a bit harder for you, but it came quick but you never know when it is going to be and you have to be ready David Raya “I understand that and I think it is the first time that two top goalkeepers are in the same team,” Raya said of the possibility of the goalkeepers being switched. “That is just part of football now and the gaffer wants two top players for each position and that is what we have to work with. I have played the last two games and now we see what happens on Sunday. “I’ve just been selected the last two games, that is just the choice of the gaffer – that is his choice, not my choice and when Aaron comes in he will need to also fight for the team and to win games. “He (Ramsdale) has been great, he is a great team-mate, a leader as well. He is a great lad and a great keeper as well, we are team-mates and that is the main thing. We are team-mates at the end of the day.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Jason Roy rejects England call as Tom Kohler-Cadmore added to squad Bruno Fernandes tells Andre Onana to stop blaming himself for Man Utd defeat Son Heung-min believes Arsenal should fear in-form Tottenham

Conor McGregor bemoaned the structure of bouts on The Ultimate Fighter as his team suffered yet another loss this week. Michael Chandler’s team have surged into a 4-0 lead over Team McGregor on the new season of the UFC television show, with two of McGregor’s fighters having been stopped and two having lost on points. In Episode 4 this week, Trevor Wells was beaten by UFC veteran Timur Valiev, losing a unanimous decision over two rounds – a result that led McGregor to vent his frustrations over the lack of a third round. “It was a good fight, Trevor put on a great match against him,” McGregor said. “They should do three rounds if it’s close. Or if they’re just 10-9s that have been eked out, there should be a third round. It’s very tough if it doesn’t go your way.” The former UFC champion also told Wells after the fight: “Trevor, that was a phenomenal fight, [it] deserved a third round. Very good, you’ve done yourself proud. Great work.” Meanwhile, Chandler said: “I get what Conor’s saying. If I were in his shoes, I would probably think the fight was closer than it actually was. “But to me and obviously to the judges, we know we won those two rounds. We’re gonna keep stacking up these wins.” When Wells returned to his team’s locker room after his fight, he was greeted by the other members of Team McGregor who have lost so far this season. “You fit in with the crew now,” Aaron McKenzie told Wells, having suffered a points defeat by Austin Hubbard a week prior. McGregor last week denied allegations that he had sexually assaulted a woman at a Miami Heat game this month. The Irishman, 34, was accused of assault in a bathroom at Game 4 of the NBA Finals on 9 June. A statement from McGregor’s lawyer Barbara Llanes read: “The allegations are false. Mr McGregor will not be intimidated.” The NBA and Miami Heat said they were investigating the allegations. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More Conor McGregor denies allegation he sexually assaulted a woman at NBA Finals How to watch The Ultimate Fighter 31 in the UK How Ciryl Gane’s Jon Jones dream turned into a nightmare Topuria vs Emmett live stream: How to watch UFC Fight Night online and on TV this weekend

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