David Raya delivered an outstanding performance as Arsenal played out a 1-1 draw against Manchester United this afternoon.
The Gunners went into the match knowing they needed a victory after Liverpool secured all three points yesterday. Given United’s inconsistent season, Arsenal had a golden opportunity to capitalise, but the match proved to be far from straightforward.
Mikel Arteta’s side dominated possession in the first half, controlling the game with authority. However, despite their dominance, they struggled to break down a resolute United defence that fought hard to keep them at bay. Against the run of play, the Red Devils took the lead late in the first half, leaving Arsenal with an uphill task after the break.
In the second half, the hosts grew in confidence and attacked with greater intent, putting Arsenal under sustained pressure. This forced David Raya into action on multiple occasions, as the Spaniard produced a string of superb saves to keep his team in the match. His most remarkable moment came when he denied Bruno Fernandes with a stunning double save, showcasing exactly why Arsenal brought him to the club.
Following the match, pundit Owen Hargreaves praised Raya’s performance, as quoted by Premier League Productions:
“David Raya made three brilliant saves. You need more players like Fernandes to make the difference. I thought Man Utd defended pretty well; Arsenal dominated the ball but didn’t really create much with it. David Raya though, my word.”
Without Raya’s heroics, Arsenal could have easily been defeated, particularly given United’s attacking intensity in the second half. His performance was a reminder of his quality and importance to the team, as he single-handedly ensured the Gunners left Old Trafford with a point.
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Fabulous goalkeeper who has proved everyone wrong me included after Ramsdale was dropped
Considering how poor Utd were until they scored, the fact that Raya kept a clean sheet after that was remarkable. Incredibly good goalkeeping from him and a wake up call for the team who completely lost their composure
Well done Raya, that’s why we love uso much. Especially to stop ” so called BIG TEAMS”
Love u , I’m in Southern Africa in a Country called Eswatini .
Die hard gunner. Next time boy, next time
Olive
I’ve had the privilege of visiting your country about 30 years ago. Stopped in Piggs Peak for 3 nights on route between the Kruger and the coast. It was wonderful then and I hope it still is. I still have a beautiful Swazi glass hippo which reminds me of my visit
Arsenal will return!
Generally speaking, Raya has been one of the plus points in what has been a frustrating season for our fans, and after the latest set back today our priority must be to finish in the top 4/5 .Our lack of firepower is such however that every one of our remaining League games is going to be very difficult for us to win and therefore the dependence on Raya and the defence to keep clean sheets becomes increasingly important.
Raya was chalk and cheese yesterday. Partat fault for goal, his position and his position of the wall. He threw a ball straight at a utd player, in a hurry to get us going, that he got away with and made two very good save, to save our blushes at the back.
It’s was a fine free kick, period!
It was but for a top team, we left a lot of room for it to go into. It wasn’t in the corner either, it was savable.
Agree. rolled my eyes when I saw that go in. Completely savable but his positioning was poor so he had no chance. Good on him for redeeming himself at least. We’re only playing to stay in 2nd at this point either way.
Agree and 2nd is looking a lost cause.
It seems that Ramsdale isn’t the only keeper with trouble keeping his concentration for 90 minutes. Nevertheless, imo Raya is an incredible keeper overall.
Look Raya is a good keeper but he is more Bruce Groblar than Peter Smieckell. He is prone to a gaff.