Mikel Arteta makes a point of celebrating David Raya’s contribution to Leandro Trossard’s goal against Crystal Palace as under pressure keeper silences his doubters
- Arsenal defeated Crystal Palace 5-0 in the Premier League on Saturday
- David Raya had a big hand in the third goal as the Gunners found form again
- Football is changing… managers cannot rely on their reputations. Just look at the Golden Generation – It all starts
David Raya has come in for a lot of criticism since joining Arsenal, but the goalkeeper did exactly what Mikel Arteta brought him in on Saturday.
Eyebrows were raised when the Spanish stopper joined the Gunners on an initial £3m loan with an option to buy for £27m.
He almost immediately replaced fan favorite Aaron Ramsdale with Arteta who was looking for a goalkeeper with more ability to play from the back.
Raya has had his nervous moments since then but showed why Arteta brought him along as he sparked the counter-attack for Arsenal’s third goal against Crystal Palace.
There was no action from the visitors and Raya brilliantly freed Gabriel Jesus at half time.
Scroll down for video
Mikel Arteta was quick to acknowledge David Raya’s contribution to Arsenal’s third goal
The Brazilian made the most of it and put Trossard on the tee to finish with confidence.
Arteta looked excited and immediately pointed and clapped in the goalkeeper’s direction to acknowledge his contribution to the goal.
Raya’s distribution was the biggest factor in his arrival and Arteta was clearly delighted when he put it on display.
The Gunner bounced back from three straight defeats to beat the Eagles 5-0.
Arteta was criticized for bringing in Raya, but the goalkeeper delivered on Saturday
Defender Gabriel scored twice from set pieces before Trossard’s goal. Gabriel Martinelli then scored an excellent brace in the closing stages.
The result leaves Arteta’s men in third place in the table, while both Liverpool and Man City have a game in hand.
