“Second chance for Ramsdale…?” David Raya finally discloses what Mikel Arteta said to him after a significant error in the North London Derby and against Bournemouth that could potentially alter the goalkeeper’s fate at Arsenal next season.
“Second chance for Ramsdale…?” David Raya finally reveals what Mikel Arteta said to him after a crucial Arsenal error in the North London Derby and against Bournemouth that could potentially alter the goalkeeper’s fate at Arsenal next season.
Following Arsenal’s exhilarating 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby, David Raya opened up about a heartfelt conversation with Mikel Arteta at full-time.
Despite the Gunners commanding a 3-0 lead in the first half, courtesy of an own goal by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and strikes from Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz, Raya’s blunder in gifting the ball to Cristian Romero allowed Spurs to claw their way back into the game just after the hour mark. Despite Son Heung-min’s late penalty adding tension, Arsenal managed to hold onto their lead, securing three crucial points in the Premier League race.
Arteta’s visible embrace with Raya after the final whistle spoke volumes. In his post-match press conference, Arteta acknowledged the error but lauded Raya’s resilience, affirming him as still the team’s number one goalkeeper. He praised Raya’s mental strength and his impressive performance in the game’s closing stages.
Addressing reporters, Raya echoed Arteta’s emphasis on his character and mental fortitude after the mistake. He owned up to the error, attributing it to Tottenham’s pressing game, but underscored his determination to move past it and contribute positively to the team’s efforts, as demonstrated in the final stretch of the game.
With Arsenal now leading the Premier League by a point with three games remaining, the title race remains intense, particularly with Manchester City having a game in hand. City are still favored to clinch their fourth consecutive title and fifth in seven years.