Arsenal were busy in the summer transfer window, but despite bringing in four major signings, not all of them have settled well yet.
Record signing Declan Rice has been the success story, instantly becoming a fan favourite and impressing immediately.
Jurrien Timber picked up a long-term injury on his Premier League debut after initially impressing, in a gutting blow for the arrival from Ajax.
Kai Havertz and David Raya arrived from Chelsea and Brentford, with both arriving with significant Premier League experience, and given that both were coming from London clubs, no adaptation periods were needed in theory.
However, Havertz has disappointed in midfield so far, and Raya, despite replacing Aaron Ramsdale, has not had the best start to his Arsenal career, having made errors in the North London derby and in the Champions League.
Mikel Arteta praises David Raya
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta praised the goalkeeper and claimed that he has settled well at the club.
“Very good,” Arteta stated when asked how Raya had settled.
“Around the players, with his teammates, around the club, he knows London really well, he knows the way we play and he’s used to that and he knows the league, so he’s done exceptionally well.”
Raya’s mixed start
There has been a lot of focus on Raya, given the surprising way in which he has usurped Aaron Ramsdale despite an impressive campaign last season.
Raya looked calm and composed, keeping clean sheets against Everton and PSV Eindhoven, but mistakes against Spurs and RC Lens have put him under scrutiny.
He needs time to develop in the Arsenal team, having made the step up from Brentford, and off the pitch he seems to have settled well.
Once he fully adapts to the different style of play in North London, he will likely show why Arteta was so insistent on bringing him in this summer.
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