David Raya has made a change to his game, Gary Neville will be delighted

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Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has had a quiet few weeks, but that hasn’t stopped the Spaniard from changing a key part of his game.

In Arsenal’s previous four games, the Gunners have only conceded one shot on target, making Raya’s life easy.

There will be a time when the shot-stopper’s workload will increase again, but for now, things are very rosy.

Despite the inactivity between the sticks, Mikel Arteta has clearly instructed Raya to make one change on the training ground, as against Burnley, Arsenal changed their approach when the 30-year-old had the ball at his feet.

• READ MORE: What David Raya just said reinforces why Aaron Ramsdale was axed by Arsenal

David Raya is no longer playing out from the back

Raya is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, having evolved tremendously since making the move to Arsenal in 2023.

Though the Spain international is having to do less this season due to Arsenal’s defensive form, his influence is still on show every game.

Speaking on The 2 Robbies Podcast, co-host Robbie Mustoe spoke about how Arsenal have changed how they play out from the back.

“I thought David Raya, again, and not that Burnley were pressing much, but he very rarely plays short now, Arsenal. They very rarely play out,” Mustoe said.

“It’s very much direct, long ball. We’ve got the big man, Gyokeres, up front. Good for him getting to the goal. But no risky football from Arsenal now. No risky football, much more direct. Pick up the second balls.”

With Viktor Gyokeres stretching the opposition, it makes more sense for Raya to aim for the Gunners’ target man rather than playing short. 

The Spaniard has implemented the change since Gyokeres’ comfort in the Arsenal squad has grown, which is not only music to the striker’s ears, but Gary Neville’s too. 

Gary Neville will be delighted by the change Raya has made

In August, Neville was furious that Arsenal were playing out from the back against Liverpool.

The pundit went as far as to say that passing the ball out from the back had become a ‘disease’ in football.

Neville clearly felt strongly about the habit Arsenal had adopted, so he will be overjoyed that the Gunners have changed their stance.

It’s no surprise that Arsenal have been so strong in defence, as the North Londoners are leaving nothing to chance, including playing out from the back.