Mikel Arteta’s full-time gesture to David Raya speaks volumes after Arsenal star slammed…..
After Arsenal defeated Manchester City, Mikel Arteta gave David Raya an embrace as a sign of support for his under-fire goalie.
Raya had a tense first half against the reigning champions that earned the Manchester United legend Gary Neville’s disapproval. Although it was difficult, the Spaniard managed to keep a clean sheet as the Gunners defeated their championship rivals.
Nathan Ake’s face was deflected by Gabriel Martinelli’s drive for a late winner, but Arteta made a beeline towards Raya at the final whistle. The Arsenal manager approached Raya and gave the goalie an embrace while grinning.
Before Arteta seemed to whisper in the Spaniard’s ears, the pair gave each other a pat on the back. And the Gunners manager was all praise for his goalie, who has taken Aaron Ramsdale’s place as the team’s starting goalie.
“I think he was excellent,” Arteta said to Sky Sports. He may miss one or two passes, but I insist that he halt the game when he has to for clarification or to spook the opposition. However, the way he handled the ball. How strong he played and how powerful he was.
“I thought he was great. David definitely has a lot of courage, which is something I adore in players. It is difficult to escape. You require the proper moments, movements, and timing. I like the courage.
“You are going to have these [hard] moments against this team. You have to be direct and managed the emotions and make sure you don’t get caught against this team.”
Neville was less sure of Raya’s performance though, particularly as the Spaniard gave the ball away consistently in the first half. The United icon insisted the Arsenal keeper was looking “jittery”, as Arteta turned to the home crowd to demand more from the fans.
“He’s just a bit jittery Raya. He’s not seeing things as clearly as Arsenal fans would like. I can spot a keeper a mile off that’s a nervous wreck and there’s one right in front of you,” Neville said in commentary on Sky Sports.
“The mistake in midweek he’s carried into this game, he’s not sharp enough and he’s very lucky. I can spot a goalkeeper a mile off who is a nervous wreck, and David Raya is that at the moment.