Wright and Carragher agree on David Raya after Arsenal fans' 'frustrations' during Man City win
Arsenal legend Ian Wright and Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher have agreed in their verdict of David Raya. The Spanish goalkeeper has replaced Aaron Ramsdale as the Gunners' first choice goalkeeper after arriving from Brentford in the summer transfer window.
Many pundits and fans have questioned the signing of Raya in the summer despite Mikel Arteta making it clear he wants quality competition in every position of his squad. The Spaniard has kept four clean sheets in six appearances so far this season — but a mistake against RC Lens cost the Gunners all three points in their second Champions League group stage fixture.
During the 1-0 win against Manchester City prior to the international break, tensions were high amongst the home supporters and Raya's calmness in possession did little to ease the nerves as Julian Alvarez almost caught the Spaniard out a few times. «You could see the Arsenal fans getting frustrated with David Raya,» Wright told Sky Bet’s Stick to Football podcast.
«They want him to pop the ball into midfield like we see Ederson do for Manchester City, but that isn't what Mikel Arteta wants him to do. We see managers like Roberto De Zerbi and Mikel Arteta when their goalkeepers go long and lose possession, they hate it.
»I thought David Raya was quite cool in the first half. It was a bit nervy, but he did what the manager wanted him to do, especially in the second half where his distribution was brilliant, and the Arsenal fans need to get used to the fact that he will take his time.
«I've seen some saves this season from David Raya where I think he'll save us a few times this season, especially with his calm nature on the pitch and the way he comes for a ball and isn't afraid to take everything out with him. A
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