08 October 2023 , 18:44
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Mikel Arteta gave his backing to Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, flying in the face of earlier comments from Gary Neville.
Sky Sports co-commentator Neville was concerned by Raya in the early stages of Arsenal's match against Manchester City. The summer arrival has taken over from Aaron Ramsdale as the Gunners' starting keeper, but wasn;t entirely convincing against Lens in midweek and was almost caught out by City in the first half on Sunday.
Raya's shaky moments went unpunished, though, and Arsenal built on a clean sheet to claim a huge win against their rivals. Arteta was asked about Raya after the game and made his position clear.
"I think he was excellent," Arteta told 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.
The keeper wasn't the only man praised for his courage by the manager. "[City] give you a lot [of problems] and we gave them a lot of issues as well," Arteta said.
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"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."
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Arsenal keeper David Raya escaped with a clean sheet against Manchester City (Getty Images)Raya is still early in his Arsenal spell. The former Blackburn keeper joined on loan from Brentford, sitting on the bench for his first three matches, but the clean sheet against City was his fourth in six outings in all competitions.
He's just a bit jittery Raya," Neville said on Sky Sports during the early stages. "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."
While Martinelli was Arsenal's match-winner, the Brazilian insisted it was a team effort. "I am not the man. I think everyone has a part in this victory," he told Sky Sports. "I scored the goal but it was the whole team and the staff and everyone. I am happy and the team is too.
"After that moment [my injury], I just tried to give my best to my recovery and try to be ready for the next game. Luckily it was for this game and I helped the team. I am happy with my goal and fitness.
"It gives more confidence [to us]. We know our potential and how tough it is to play against them. Today we beat them and it gives us more confidence to kick on."