Ian Wright gives his take on David Raya's debut for Arsenal in Everton win
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has given his verdict on David Raya's debut for the Gunners in their 1-0 Premier League win on Sunday (September 17).
Mikel Arteta's decision to start Raya over Aaron Ramsdale was one of the main talking points. It was the Spanish goalkeeper's first appearance for the Gunners since his £3 million loan move this summer.
Ramsdale was fit and available for selection but was an unused substitute, as Leandro Trossard's goal proved to be the difference at Goodison Park. Raya, meanwhile, did not have much to do between the sticks.
Wright gave his verdict on the Spain international, telling Premier League Productions (h/t HITC):
"To be honest, he didn’t have too much to do. But what he did have to do was come and claim some really good balls from set-pieces and corners. And he has done it very, very well.
"You would be surprised how much confidence that gives your defence and your players knowing you have somebody behind you who is going to give you that calm and collective nature."
Raya (28) only had one save to make in the entire game but made 12 recoveries and completed 94% of his 34 attempted passes. He was confident coming out for the ball and barely made any mistakes against the Toffees.
Ramsdale doesn't seem to have done anything to warrant being removed from the starting XI. However, Raya's performance could complicate matters for the Englishman, who has been Arsenal's No. 1 goalkeeper for nearly two years.
Arsenal's Leandro Trossard happy with short corner tactic in Everton win
Leandro Trossard replaced the injured Gabriel Martinelli midway through the first half before scoring the winner for Arsenal in the 69th minute.
The Gunners were evidently trying to use the short corner tactic against the Toffees, and it paid off, as Trossard scored the winner. Bukayo Saka took a short corner, and it took the Gunners six passes and five players to open up Everton's rearguard and break the deadlock.
Trossard said that the Gunners' short corner tactic was premeditated. as they wanted to overcome Everton's aerial advantage, telling Sky Sport (via BBC):
"They have a lot of tall guys, and they're good on set-pieces. We wanted to exploit them. We work hard on everything tactically."
The win took Arsenal to fourth in the points table after five games. They have 13 points — two fewer than holders and leaders Manchester City.