Ian Wright was delighted that Arsenal earned a crucial three points against Everton, but he did notice one weakness in the Gunners’ performance.
It was a display that epitomised Arsenal’s recent slight dip in performance levels, as Mikel Arteta’s side left a lot to be desired in attack.
Though the Gunners created sufficient chances at Hill Dickinson Stadium, the issue was that none were converted, with the match-winner coming from a penalty.
Viktor Gyokeres ended his streak without scoring, which was a positive, but once again, Arsenal couldn’t escape critique.
In one sentence, tell us what was missing from Arsenal’s win over Everton.
Arsenal’s stats vs Everton:
- 65% possession
- 2.00 xG
- 0.20 xG conceded
- 13 shots
- 2 shots on target
Ian Wright and David Raya discuss concern about Arsenal’s lapses in games
After the win, David Raya was interviewed by the panel on Premier League Productions.
Ian Wright was the first to put a question to the Arsenal shot-stopper, asking whether there had been any private conversations about becoming vulnerable in games.
“Is anyone saying anything in the dressing room about the way that sometimes we give the ball away, we’re giving teams an impetus to come and attack us? Is that a worry?” the Arsenal legend asked.
Raya responded clearly, “No, I think we set high standards, we don’t want to give the ball away in certain situations and certain locations and sometimes football is like this, as you know.”
The Spaniard continued by providing an alternative view on Arsenal in those situations, and he couldn’t have been any more correct.
“It’s just the way that the team reacted, the way we tracked back, the way we wanted to make that mistake right,” Raya said.
“We can give the ball away, that’s part of football, but it’s how you react and how you track back to not concede a chance after that.”
Raya has been criticised for some poor decisions this season, but his words after the Everton win were spot on at a time when there’s a lot of catastrophisation surrounding Arsenal.
Arsenal can’t be perfect every week, and Raya acknowledged that in his response.
David Raya would’ve loved his performance against Everton
What stands out the most is that the Gunners got the win and left Merseyside with a clean sheet, something they didn’t manage last season.
Sum up David Raya’s performance against Everton in three words.
For Raya, it’s another step forward in the race for the Golden Glove, and it might’ve actually been one of his favourite displays.
The 30-year-old was so assured in almost everything he did, winning every duel and run-out he attempted, giving Everton little belief that they could get past him.
It was a top, and underrated, showing from Raya, who earned his eighth clean sheet of the season in style.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
