David Raya Arsenal Performance Stuns Old Trafford, But Keeper Criticizes His Own Game

🕓 Last updated on September 17, 2025

David Raya Arsenal performance earns praise at Old Trafford, but the goalkeeper criticizes his own decision-making and second-half distribution.

David Raya impressed with his Arsenal performance during the 1-1 draw at Manchester United, yet he voiced disappointment in his own display.

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David Raya produced a string of crucial saves at Old Trafford, including a dramatic double stop in stoppage time to deny Bruno Fernandes a late winner. His efforts preserved a vital point for Arsenal and kept their slim Premier League title hopes alive.

Despite receiving glowing praise from pundits like Roy Keane and Peter Schmeichel, who called his display “world-class,” Raya remained self-critical. He admitted that his distribution and decision-making in the second half didn’t meet his personal standards.

Raya’s Post-Match Comments Surprise Pundits

Speaking to Schmeichel after the match, Raya explained his frustration. “I should’ve been better with decision-making in the second half,” he said. “United press aggressively man-to-man, and it’s tough, but my demands are higher than that.”

His remarks highlighted a perfectionist mindset that has defined his time at Arsenal. While fans and analysts applauded his shot-stopping, Raya focused on areas he believed needed improvement.

Manchester United took the lead just before halftime when Fernandes curled a free-kick past Raya. Some critics questioned Raya’s positioning, but he redeemed himself with three key saves—against Joshua Zirkzee, Noussair Mazraoui, and Fernandes.

Arsenal equalized through Declan Rice, who struck from the edge of the box in the second half. Raya’s late heroics ensured the Gunners avoided defeat, though the team’s inability to convert dominance into victory remains a concern.

Arsenal’s Title Hopes Hang by a Thread

Arsenal now trail leaders Liverpool by 15 points, with a game in hand. The draw at Old Trafford marked their third consecutive league match without a win, following setbacks against West Ham and Nottingham Forest.

Declan Rice acknowledged Raya’s impact, telling Sky Sports, “David made two great saves at the end. We could’ve thrown the game away.” His comments reflected the frustration within the squad, despite earning a point on difficult ground.

Manager Mikel Arteta, celebrating his 200th Premier League game, remained pragmatic. While Arsenal recently thrashed PSV Eindhoven 7-1 in the Champions League, their domestic form continues to raise questions.

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