Arteta hands surprise role to Ranson in Arsenal's win over West Ham United

Allnigeriasoccer.com understands Arsenal first team boss Mikel Arteta handed a surprise role to promising Nigeria-eligible goalkeeper Khari Ranson in the 2-0 win over West Ham United on Saturday, October 4.

Ranson was selected as the 21st or extra player for the matchday squad, a move that reflects his growing reputation within the Gunners' ranks.

The teenager had been promoted to first team training in the days leading up to the London derby at the Emirates Stadium, a clear sign that he was being considered for inclusion in the provisional squad.

Those indications were confirmed when Ranson was spotted arriving with the senior players ahead of kickoff.

The young goalkeeper was also seen warming up with the first team, and his number 79 shirt was placed in the Arsenal dressing room prior to the match.

However, the tri-national shot-stopper, who is also eligible to represent England and Ghana, eventually served as third-choice goalkeeper, with Arteta naming Kepa Arrizabalaga as backup to David Raya.

Had either Raya or Kepa suffered an injury during the warm-up, Ranson would have been named on the substitutes bench. 

Ranson has climbed the pecking order among the youth goalkeepers, particularly with Alexei Rojas away on international duty with Colombia at the ongoing Fifa U20 World Cup.

He began this season impressively, keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 win over Derby County in the Premier League 2.

Ranson's progress was further recognised on Friday when he received his first call-up to the England U19 national team, having previously represented the Young Lions at U16 and U18 levels.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: arsenal.com

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