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David Raya’s Errors Nearly Cost Arsenal the Win, But Declan Rice Saves the Day
The summer signing, without a doubt, saved the one who was under the most criticism. Declan Rice saves the day by delivering a key header long beyond extra time to secure Arsenal’s dramatic 4-3 victory against Luton Town on Tuesday night, just as it appeared Mikel Arteta might face another question about his goalkeeper choices.
Two mistakes by David Raya threatened to define the game, allowing a spirited Luton to transform a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 lead. The Gunners’ resolve faced a severe test on an evening when Raya, burdened by the scrutiny accompanying his surprise loan move from Brentford, appeared to struggle.
Despite Aaron Ramsdale doing little to warrant such brutal treatment, Raya surpassed him to become the Gunners’ number one.
In Arteta’s opinion, Raya is an improvement in terms of both skill and versatility. But this time he made a big mistake that nearly cost Arsenal two vital points in the Premier League title fight.
Despite this, Rice was declared the winner. Redefining the narrative, the 24-year-old was acquired from West Ham for £105 million.
He connected with a beautiful glancing header from Martin Odegaard’s exquisite cross in the seventh of the remaining six minutes. With this crucial play, Arteta’s team gained an invaluable victory and took a five-point lead in the standings.
Arteta’s Arsenal: A Team of Resilience, Character, and Quality
The amazing thing about football is how it brings together emotions and the things you live within a large community,” said Arteta.
“That night was unique. We are grateful for Luton’s atmosphere, coaching style, and ability to make things difficult for us, but we managed to prevail. The team showed amazing resiliency, character, quality, and a winning mentality.
“There are expectations when you have to play every three days and win every game. It’s their methodical approach. The extent of their desire. They are quite willing, and we discussed halftime and the things we wanted them to do better. It functions better sometimes than not.“
Rice earned his spot not for his goal-scoring prowess, but his pivotal contributions, clinching victories against Manchester United and Chelsea to secure crucial points.
Arteta’s target for the team, set at 96-100 points, makes these wins essential in the pursuit of the title. Among the squad, only England midfielder Rice and Douglas Luiz have netted multiple league goals, both achieving this beyond the six-minute mark in second-half stoppage-time.
Remarkably, this goal marks Arsenal’s latest match-winning moment on an away ground in Premier League history.
Arteta Hails Arsenal’s New Goalkeeper as “Better Than Ramsdale” Despite Two Costly Errors
Arteta responds that he still expects one more from him when asked if he would be a part of the two late wins.
“Triple! Thus, one more remains. It will occur,” he declared. “I’m not sure when. Once more, he played a fantastic game. Every week, he demonstrates leadership and quality, and it gets better and better every game. And he has the skill and scent to put the ball in the back of the net when he’s in the opposing team’s box.”
His tireless engine is a testament to his dedication. The physical presence he adds to Arsenal should have better equipped them to handle Luton’s set-piece threat at Kenilworth Road.
Gabriel Martinelli put the visitors ahead in the 20th minute, and five minutes later, Gabriel Osho, from Alfie Doughty’s corner, headed in to level the score. Arsenal regained the lead just before half-time when Gabriel Jesus scored a well-executed goal. However, they failed to heed the lessons.
In the second half, another delivery from Doughty, just four minutes in, left David Raya flapping helplessly, allowing Elijah Adebayo to easily slot in a finish.
Ross Barkley, the former Chelsea midfielder, drove Luton forward throughout the evening. He exchanged passes with Andros Townsend and then fired a low shot that breezed through Raya too easily.
Those in the know at the transfer reveal to ESPN that the £27 million option to permanently sign Raya is practically a sure thing, and Arteta is unwavering in his belief that Raya surpasses Ramsdale.
Ramsdale, who bolstered his reputation by playing every game as Arsenal made a strong push for the Premier League title last season, is considered by Arteta to be surpassed by Raya. Rice’s goal didn’t completely overshadow the issue, but Arteta, as expected, avoided commenting on Raya’s mistakes.
Arsenal’s Resilient Spirit Prevails in Defeating Aston Villa
“We have to defend better the situations as a team,” he stated.
“Some things are leading to the objectives. Blaming is not the point. We won’t do it now, just as we have never done it. It matters how the team responds since it is inevitable. I adore that reply.
Kai Havertz equalized on the hour mark, marking another positive step for him following a slow start after his summer move from Chelsea.
In the euphoric celebrations that greeted Rice’s header, Arteta received a booking, earning his third yellow card of the season. It means he will be banned from the touchline for Saturday’s trip to Aston Villa.
Takehiro Tomiyasu will also be absent, potentially for some time, as a scan confirmed he suffered a calf injury that prompted his absence in the recent game.
Arsenal showed their tenacity on the night, and Villa will start the season with a commanding advantage at the top of the table. At full-time, Rice used to a more traditional style of leadership incorporating positional discipline, touch-tackling, and a desire to fight, offered his struggling goalie a bear embrace.
Raya felt secure knowing that his teammate had protected him from the full consequences of a chastening experience as they both exited the Kenilworth Road ground together.
My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.
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