Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has hit back at Gary Neville’s criticism of goalkeeper David Raya following their 1-0 win over Manchester City.
On Sunday afternoon, the Gunners triumphed over last season’s Treble winners thanks to a late Gabriel Martinelli goal, which deflected off the face of City’s Nathan Ake.
However, a big talking point from the Emirates was Arteta’s decision to, once again, start summer signing David Raya in goal ahead of Aaron Ramsdale.
Ramsdale, 25, had been Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper last term but has spent a large portion of this campaign watching on from the sidelines – despite some shaky moments from Raya.
Against Lens on Tuesday, the former Brentford goalkeeper came under scrutiny after his misplaced pass lead to an equalising goal for the French side.
Mikel Arteta (R) praised Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya (L) after their 1-0 win over Man City
Sky Sports co-commentator Gary Neville lambasted the goalkeeper during Sunday’s victory
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And, after a nervy opening half against Manchester City, Sky Sports co-commentator Neville was quick to question the Spaniard’s confidence.
Speaking during the game, Neville said: ‘They (City) should have scored. The goalkeeper is all over the place in these first few minutes. He’s really shaky, Raya.
‘He’s just a bit jittery, Raya. He’s not seeing things as clearly as Arsenal fans would like.’
However, after the match, Arteta jumped to the defence of his goalkeeper and went on to praise how his side ‘managed the emotions’ of the match.
‘I think he was excellent,’ Arteta said to Sky Sports. ‘The way he controlled the ball. How dominant the was and how high he played. I love players with courage and David certainly has big ones’.
‘[City] give you a lot [of problems] and we gave them a lot of issues as well,’ Arteta continued.
‘It is not easy to get out. You need the right timing, the right movement, the right moments. 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’s criticisms for Raya continued throughout the first-half after City’s Julian Alvarez chased down the Arsenal goalkeeper and nearly tackled the ball into the net.
Raya showed some shaky moments in the first-half but looked at ease in the second-half
Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez (L) nearly tackled the ball into the back of the net at Arsenal
After Raya’s clearance deflected off Alvarez, Neville insisted: ‘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.
‘It’s quite obvious the goalkeeper is struggling but he’s still playing it short. They’re going to get punished if they’re not careful.
‘When you can see he’s struggling as much as he is, just get it forward. Certainly keep it away from him.’
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There has been much debate in recent weeks over the Gunners’ first-choice goalkeeper and it’s becoming apparent that the Spaniard has won that battle.
It’s a result that lifts Arsenal up to second in the Premier League table, with just goal
Speaking on Sky Sports commentary Neville said: ‘They (City) should have scored. The goalkeeper is all over the place in these first few minutes. He’s really shaky, Raya.
‘He’s just a bit jittery, Raya. He’s not seeing things as clearly as Arsenal fans would like.’
Raya initially started well for Arsenal, making a brilliant save to deny Brennan Johnson in the North London derby.
However recently he has shown cracks in his confidence, ensuring the debate over who should be Arteta’s number one has not gone away.
After clearance deflected off Alvarez, Neville insisted: ‘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.
‘It’s quite obvious the goalkeeper is struggling but he’s still playing it short. They’re going to get punished if they’re not careful.
‘When you can see he’s struggling as much as he is, just get it forward. Certainly keep it away from him.’
