“The numbers are proof of that” - Mikel Arteta lauds Arsenal star who has been consistent throughout the season
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hailed David Raya after he pulled off an outstanding save to keep his side in the game against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Gunners secured a 2-0 win against Wolves in their Premier League clash at the Molineux on Saturday, April 20.
Leandro Trossard (45') and Martin Odegaard (95') scored one goal apiece to keep Arsenal's Premier League title hopes alive. They are currently at the top of the table with 74 points from 33 games, one point above Manchester City.
However, the Gunners could have fallen to their third defeat in a row across all competitions if it wasn't for Raya's heroics in the first half. Wolves created a great chance in the 30th minute, when the scores were still 0-0, after Joao Gomes got the better of Jakub Kiwior.
Gomes unleashed a powerful shot at goal, however, Raya was just able to palm the ball onto the woodwork, ensuring the scores remained level. Arteta was asked how 'crucial' the save was during the post-match press conference, to which he replied (via METRO):
"Very, because we didn’t concede anything up to that point. We had some very open situations that would have changed the game for sure. David was outstanding in that moment to make the save that we needed and then we took advantage."
He added:
"I think he’s been very consistent throughout the whole season. The numbers are proof of that. I think the timing of the first goal was really helpful as well. Really happy."
Mikel Arteta and Co. faced a lot of criticism at the start of the season for dropping Aaron Ramsdale for David Raya. However, the Brentford loanee has silenced his critics with some top performances this season. He has kept 17 clean sheets in 36 appearances across all competitions and is on course to win the Premier League Golden Glove with 13 clean sheets to date.
Wolves 0-2 Arsenal: Who was the Player of the Match?
Arsenal secured their sixth league win in a row against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday with a deserved 2-0 win. Let's take a look at who the Player of the Match was:
As per FotMob, Declan Rice received the highest rating of any outfield player (8.2). The 25-year-old controlled the midfield with ease, completing 55 out of 61 passes with an accuracy of 90 percent. He also created five big chances for his team, won six duels, and made two recoveries.
The Gunners controlled the contest and dominated Wolves in attack, landing 24 shots in total with nine being on target. In contrast, the home side could only muster five shots with three being on target.
Arsenal next face Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, April 23.