Ian Wright has a message for Arsenal supporters: They may need to grit their teeth and bear with their “frustration” concerning David Raya, as Mikel Arteta is poised to stand firmly behind his new goalkeeper.
During Arsenal's victory over Manchester City, the Spanish goalie was caught in possession several times, including a heart-stopping incident early on when his clearance nearly ricocheted off Julian Alvarez and into the goal.
Despite grumbles from the Arsenal fanbase, former Gunners forward Wright emphasizes that Raya brings a sense of “calmness” to the defense that Arteta is likely to support.
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“You could feel the Arsenal fans' agitation with David Raya,” Wright shared on Sky Bet’s Stick to Football podcast.
Supporters wish he would thread passes into midfield like Manchester City's Ederson, but that's not what Arteta envisions. Both Roberto de Zerbi and Arteta loathe it when their goalies send long balls and lose possession.
“Personally, I thought David Raya held his own in the first half. Sure, there were some nerve-wracking moments, but he executed the manager's plan—particularly in the second half when his distribution was on point. Arsenal fans need to accept that he will take his time.”
Wright also highlighted some of Raya's impressive saves this season, attributing them to his composed demeanor on the field: “His level-headedness really benefits the back four.”
Renowned pundit Jamie Carragher chimed in, asserting that Raya appeared “too cool” rather than nervous during his performance at Emirates Stadium—an essential element in Arteta's ideal keeper. The Liverpool living legend remarked that several teams follow this approach nowadays — Brighton may have initiated it — attempting to draw rivals closer toward their goal. In Carragher's opinion, Raya wasn't unnerved; rather, he was purposefully taking on the pressure. However, waiting too long can sometimes lead to costly mistakes.
Feature image credit: the sun
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