Arsenal failed to break down Everton at the Emirates Stadium and close the gap on league leaders Liverpool, despite dominating the game against Sean Dyche’s men
David Raya may not have needed to make a save against Everton but don’t let that fool you into thinking his cleansheet was any less worthy than Jordan Pickford’s.
The Arsenal stopper appeared to be upset at being asked if, on such a quiet afternoon, he was able to instruct the players in front of him on how to break down the Toffees.
Instead he took the opportunity to explain he was anything but a passenger, as he played his part in Arsenal having 77% possession and limiting the Toffees’ set-piece opportunities.
Raya said: “You say I had nothing to do but I thought I played really well in that aspect. Maybe not in making saves but trying to help the team, stopping the ball from going behind, managing possession regains and all that stuff.
“That stuff is just part of the game. Part of how we play and that’s what the team needed.
“They needed me when the ball went in behind. I just try to come out and keep the ball and not just kick it out of play or make rash decisions.
“So I thought it was a complete game for myself.”
On his side’s failure to find the net, Raya added: “I don’t think it is a confidence thing. It is just football. Sometimes you score from set pieces, sometimes you score from open play and I think we are very dangerous from both.
“In games like these, when teams sit back, it is harder to create those chances and create those goals.
“We had those chances but of course Everton defended very well and they’re a good team in those situations. So we just have to focus on ourselves and keep going.”
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