Sky Sports commentator and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has slammed an Arsenal mistake during their 5-1 Premier League triumph over Crystal Palace on Saturday evening.
Mikel Arteta 's side took the lead after six minutes courtesy of Gabriel Jesus, but the hosts were able to draw level at Selhurst Park a few minutes later. Jesus then scored another before Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice added a further three goals later in the game to secure the victory.
Despite Arsenal's comfortable win on the night, Carragher was left furious by the mistake that resulted in Palace's equaliser early in the first half. As is extremely common in the game, Arsenal utilised goalkeeper David Raya as an extra body when in possession, and the ball was played back to the shot-stopper in his 18-yard box.
However, Raya then gifted Palace possession with a straight pass into the middle, which resulted in Ismalia Sarr levelling in the scoreline. Carragher slated the goalkeeper for the mistake while commentating on the game for Sky Sports, insisting its a pass that should be banned from the game.
"Goalkeepers should be banned from playing straight balls," Carragher said after the goal. "They should have to play it out wide, put an angle on it.
"This is the worst passing football - a goalkeeper who plays a straight pass. The amount of goals you see conceded in the Premier League like this. It has to stop."
Arsenal are now third in the Premier League standings with nine wins from the 17 games played. They are three points behind leaders Liverpool, who take on Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon, and also have another game in hand against Everton.
The Gunners return to action after Christmas with the visit of Ipswich Town on December 27, followed by a trip to Brentford on New Years day. They will then travel to face Brighton on January 4 before hosting Manchester United in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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