BREAKING NEWS: The way He react to the ball after I saved that shot today still surprises me, Indeed He really deserves the Man of the match performance for such a goal clearance that He did”, David Raya named the ONE Arsenal player that really saved the team from humiliation Today – Not Saliba and Not Gabriel
Manchester United may have dominated possession and territory, but it was Arsenal who walked away from Old Trafford with three points thanks to a first-half header from Riccardo Calafiori and a string of crucial saves by David Raya.
Calafiori’s set-piece goal provided the difference, yet it was Raya who ensured Arsenal’s lead survived United’s pressure. The goalkeeper, awarded man of the match, made a series of vital saves, none more significant than his stop to deny Matheus Cunha in the first half.
Speaking after the game to Sky Sports, Raya admitted the display had been far from Arsenal’s usual standard. “The quality wasn’t there, we weren’t at our best with the ball, defensively, we weren’t at our best, so that was a fight.
“We got a goal in the first half with a corner and from there we just fought until the end. Credit to the boys. In the end, we kept a clean sheet, we know we could have lost the game, but football is like this and days like this, it’s when the three points count.”
On his standout save, the Spaniard was typically understated. “It was the Cunha one [in the first half], I think. It was a tough one, I don’t know how I saved it to be honest. It was very close to my feet. I’m delighted to help the team and get the three points, that’s the main thing.”
For Calafiori, scoring was a statement, even if his focus remained firmly on the collective. “As always, we’re working a lot on set-pieces, we showed it today. Every season, I think we have to improve as much as possible, we have to keep going like that.”
The Italian was also keen to highlight the competition for places within Mikel Arteta’s squad. “If we want to compete at a higher level, we have to be good in every position.
“Of course, my teammates are ready to play. It’s not easy to play every game, but of course having a good side is going to help us bring up the level. We just have to keep going.
“Hopefully, I’m going to play a lot. If not there is another teammate who is going to play and it’s going to be even better maybe.”
Old Trafford has so often been an unhappy hunting ground for Arsenal, but this time their strength outweighed their style.
Calafiori provided the breakthrough, Raya provided the last ditch defence, and together they carried Arteta’s side over the line.
