“Arsenal have got this one right” - Pundit hails 29-year-old Gunners star as 'best in the world'
Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Gary Stevens has lavished praise on Arsenal star David Raya. The pundit believes the Spanish shot-stopper is the best goalkeeper in world football right now.
The Gunners locked horns with Manchester City in the Premier League at the Etihad on Sunday (22 September). Arsenal split the points with the Cityzens as the fixture ended in a 2-2 draw.
Erling Haaland opened the scoring in the ninth minute before first-half goals from Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Magalhaes put the Gunners up 2-1 up at the break.
Leandro Trossard was sent off after receiving his second yellow card in the final stages of the first half, reducing the north Londoners down to 10 men. While Arsenal put in a strong defensive display in the second period, John Stones' stoppage-time equalizer brought Manchester City level.
David Raya put on an excellent performance against Pep Guardiola's side, making nine saves in the encounter (via FotMob). Stevens hailed the Spaniard's performance and said (via Metro):
"He’s certainly a keeper in form, in great form. He’s right up there. He’s dominant when he comes to crosses and he’s a great shot-stopper. He joined the club on loan and there was that debate over who would start. Mikel Arteta stuck with Raya and he’s now a permanent signing and Arsenal have got this one right, 100%."
When asked whether he is the best goalkeeper in the world, he replied:
"Yeah, he’s right up there. Now I would definitely say there’s not a better goalkeeper out there than him."
The Gunners will next face Bolton Wanderers in the EFL Cup on 25 September.
"I don't think it's going to be different" - Manuel Akanji makes PL title race prediction involving Arsenal and Manchester City
Manuel Akanji feels the Cityzens will make it five Premier League titles on the bounce after their hard-fought 2-2 draw against Arsenal.
The Gunners battled it out in two well-contested title races against Manchester City over the past two seasons. However, both campaigns spelled the same fate, with the north Londoners finishing second on both occasions.
Akanji sees a similar conclusion to the current season as well. Speaking after the game, the Swiss made a brutally honest prediction, although he admitted it's still early doors. He said (quotes via Manchester Evening News):
"I don't think there are many better than them at it. But, in the end, we always won the title and I don't think it's going to be different this year. Like I said, it's still early in the season. I think we're going to win the league again, and we won't focus too much on Arsenal."
Manchester City are a point clear of Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table and face Watford in the EFL Cup next on September 24.