Arsenal David Raya
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Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya surprised Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel by downplaying his performance in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, despite making a series of crucial saves.
The Spanish international faced criticism for his positioning on Bruno Fernandes’ first-half free-kick goal but redeemed himself in stoppage time with a stunning double save to deny the United captain a late winner. Raya also produced an outstanding reflex stop with his outstretched leg to prevent Noussair Mazraoui from extending United’s lead, while also smothering Joshua Zirkzee’s clever flick that could have made it 2-0.
Speaking to Premier League Productions, David Raya was asked to assess his display and offered a self-critical response: “Defensively, yes, but in attack, I could have done a little bit better.”
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Schmeichel was taken aback by Raya’s modesty and responded: “I’m not having that. Today, you made three unbelievable saves—actually saving three situations. The last one, in the final minute, was unbelievable. I think you put in a world-class performance and saved your team a point.”
I wouldn’t replace him with any keeper in the world. Three more world-class saves today secures Arsenal a point at Old Trafford.
David Raya, world class. My keeper. pic.twitter.com/9MjFFT9kaW
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) March 9, 2025
However, Raya admitted he was disappointed with his distribution, particularly in the second half, when some of his risky passes put Arsenal under pressure.
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“The standards I set for myself and the team mean I should have made better decisions, especially in the second half when we could have played through their press more effectively,” David Raya explained.
“United pressed very well, aggressively, and man-to-man, which made it difficult. But my expectations are higher than that—I want to do the best for the team. I know I played some risky passes, including one that put Saliba under pressure, but that’s just my standard.”
Despite his self-criticism, Raya’s heroics ensured Arsenal left Manchester with a point, keeping their hopes alive in the race for a top-four finish.
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