Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has responded to Gary Neville's comments after the Manchester United legend claimed the Spaniard was a 'nervous wreck' during the clash against Manchester City.
The 28-year-old was once again given the nod over his counterpart Aaron Ramsdale for the clash against Pep Guardiola's men, where he would go on to keep a clean sheet during the one-nil victory over last season's treble winners. Despite the win and shut-out being secured, Raya received criticism from Neville, after the Brentford loanee looked nervous with the ball at his feet throughout the clash.
“He's just a bit jittery Raya," Neville said while covering the game for Sky Sports. “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. The mistake in midweek he's carried into this game, he's not sharp enough and he's very lucky.”
READ MORE: Ratcliffe has six key questions to answer
READ MORE: What Ratcliffe made of United's plans during talks
Speaking to The Athletic, Raya responded to the harsh words from Neville, where he insisted he would own up to any mistakes made while in an Arsenal shirt. “It’s something I have internalised, but it’s also the coach’s orders," said the Arsenal shot-stopper.
"What he doesn’t want is for us to start hitting balls — we have to invite a player (opponent to press) to come out a little bit. I’m the free man, and once a striker or someone jumps me, that leaves a free man on the pitch, and we have to look for superiority. That’s the way the coach tells me to play.
“The fans aren’t used to us goalkeepers having the ball for a long time and if they (the opponents) don’t press, you have to wait for the
Read on manchestereveningnews.co.uk