Mikel Arteta: 'We are lucky to have David Raya'

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 28 Apr 2024 17:42 BST
• 3 min read

Mikel Arteta has admitted Arsenal are “lucky” to have David Raya, despite his error during the Gunners’ 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Raya, 28, will join the north London club on a permanent deal for €32 million when his loan spell ends this summer, however he was at fault for Tottenham’s first goal during the North London derby.

Arsenal sped into a 3-0 half-time lead at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but Raya gifted a goal to Ange Postecoglou’s side, while Heung-min Son’s late penalty ensured Arsenal had a very nervy finish against their biggest rivals.

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An own goal from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and strikes from Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz helped Arsenal into a commanding position at half-time, but the Gunners almost let their lead slip after conceding two second-half goals - the first of which came following a huge error by Raya.

The on-loan Brentford goalkeeper attempted an ambitious left-footed chip into Thomas Partey, but he passed the ball straight to Christian Romero instead and the 2022 World Cup winner made no mistake with his finish, calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner in the 64th minute.

Son then smashed home an 87th minute penalty after a foul by Declan Rice, but Tottenham were unable to find a last-gasp equaliser after some resolute defending by Arsenal.

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Although Raya was at fault for Spurs’ first goal, the Spain international made several crucial high claims during the dying embers of the game, and his performance impressed Gunners boss Arteta.

What has Mikel Arteta said?

Speaking after the game, Arteta told the media: “We are lucky to have David because he made an individual error but after the way he played. Outstanding!

“He said I own this moment and I’m going to make a step forward and he was magnificent.”

Arsenal climbed back to the top of the Premier League table thanks to their win over Tottenham, although Manchester City will leapfrog the Gunners if they win their games in hand.