'Unbelievable': Mikel Arteta blown away by Arsenal star who made 14 recoveries vs Sunderland
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta heaped praise on goalkeeper David Raya following the 2-0 Premier League win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
The Gunners continued their perfect start to the season with a victory on Wearside. They were made to work hard for the result during the second half.
Ezri Konsa conceded an unfortunate penalty before the hour mark, but Raya came up with a stupendous fingertip save diving to his left to deny Enzo Le Fee.
Just 120 seconds later, midfielder Bruno Guimaraes scored a stunning curling goal from the edge of the box.
Arsenal still had to be defensively organised, and Raya came up with another strong fingertip save before Bukayo Saka scored a penalty in the closing seconds.
Speaking after the game on TNT Sports, Arteta said Raya was ‘unbelievable’ and described the Spaniard as a player who can decide matches when required.
He said: “Unbelievable. He’s a player that decides matches when we need it. Big credit to Sunderland and the way they played and the way they are coached.
“They are a really good team, I don’t want to take away credit from them. They make it very hard for you. They have courage and great understanding of what’s needed. Extremely tough, extremely happy.”
Raya had a brilliant game between the sticks. He made two crucial saves with 14 recoveries. He was also good with his distribution, completing 22 passes and eight successful long balls.
The 30-year-old has won the Premier League Golden Glove in each of the previous three seasons, and he is already leading the race again with three clean sheets in four matches.
Raya was hugely influential in ending the club’s 22-year wait for the league title. He produced another world-class showing against Sunderland to help Arsenal move to the top of the standings.
The Gunners are three points ahead of second-placed Manchester City, who face a testing challenge against arch-rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford later on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Arsenal will be in Carabao Cup third-round action at Ipswich Town on Tuesday before facing Brighton & Hove Albion in their next Premier League trip on Saturday.
Stats from Sofascore.com
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