Gary Neville slams "jittery" Arsenal star in rant over risky Mikel Arteta stance

08 October 2023 , 16:13

1060     0

Gary Neville slams "jittery" Arsenal star in rant over risky Mikel Arteta stance

Gary Neville highlighted the "jittery" performance of David Raya in the early stages of Arsenal's game with Manchester City.

The Spaniard has made himself the new No.1 at the Emirates with Mikel Arteta opting to drop Aaron Ramsdale, who has been the club's first-choice for the past two years. That decision has divided opinion but Raya did little to show self-confidence in the opening periods in north London.

Raya made a notable error in midweek as Arsenal were undone at Lens in the Champions League. Against City on Sunday, the goalkeeper flapped at an early corner with Declan Rice having to clear off the line, then minutes later he took too long over a clearance and was charged down by Julian Alvarez, almost giving away a goal.

Neville said on Sky Sports commentary : "He's just a bit jittery Raya. 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."

After those comments Raya again attempted to play out from the back despite City pressing high and his pass for Rice didn't find its target, allowing the champions a promising position. Neville then called on the team to change their plan with the goalkeeper clearly struggling.

Pep Guardiola went back on his word after blocking last-ditch Barcelona transfer

Raya was signed in the summer from Brentford, joining initially on loan with a permanent deal expected to be struck in 12 months time. He was bought in for the win at Everton several weeks ago with Arteta citing rotation and competition for places, but Raya has started every game since.

David Raya was almost caught out by Julian Alvarez

The Arsenal boss had no issue with the error made by his goalkeeper in midweek, suggesting that more are to come. "This happens. Mistakes are part of football. They will continue to be there somehow," he told TNT Sports.

"The difference was in both boxes but especially in Champions League, you don’t generate ten clear-cut chances in the Champions League. When you get there, you have to put the ball into the back of the net and you have to defend the box better than we have done."

Ramsdale has been praised for his reaction to being dropped, and has retained his spot in the England squad. Nevertheless the former Bournemouth man is expected to review his options when the transfer window opens in January.

Samuel Meade