Mikel Arteta has refused to reignite the goalkeeping debate at Arsenal following last night’s shock Champions League defeat against RC Lens. Just 10 minutes after going in front, David Raya mishit a long-range pass towards Takehiro Tomiyasu. The ball was gobbled up by wing-back Deiver Machado and ultimately led to a stunning equaliser.
This was the first high-profile mistake Raya has made since his switch from Brentford in the summer. Arsenal would go on to capitulate in the second half, conceding a 69th-minute winner against the team sitting 15th in Ligue 1.
Arteta gave a bullish “no” at his post-match press conference whether it was disappointing to see Raya’s distribution at fault. And given attention surrounding the Ramsdale situation, he told TNT Sports that errors are just something which happen in football.
“This happens,” Arteta said. “Mistakes are part of football and they will continue to be there but the difference was made in both boxes.
“Especially in the Champions League, you don’t generate 10 clear-cut chances. When you get there, you have to put the ball in the back of the net.”
William Saliba also leapt to the defence of his teammate, echoing Arteta’s comments about mistakes being a part of the game. The Frenchman insisted the dressing room remains united rather than singing any individual out.
“It’s part of the game,” Saliba added. “We all make mistakes, so we are all together on this. Of course, we conceded two goals so I’m not happy.”
About The Author
