Mikel Arteta’s transfer gamble pays off as Arsenal ‘difference maker’ emerges

Mikel Arteta took a major gamble when he bought David Raya in as his Arsenal No.1 but the Spaniard has continued to blossom after a difficult start with the decision now vindicated

Jamie Redknapp hailed Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya as “a difference maker” following his role in their 5-0 romp over Leeds on Saturday night.

The Gunners kept up their perfect start to the Premier League season as they eased past the newly promoted side at the Emirates. It means they continue to keep up with the pace, but they had their No.1 to thank for ensuring an upset wasn’t on the cards.

Raya needed to produce a big save with the game goalless as the Whites threatened to land a shock early lead. Pascal Struijk rose highest from a corner but his bullet header was well stopped by the Arsenal goalkeeper before they were able to open the scoring.

It underlines the value of the ex-Brentford goalkeeper, whose arrival was not universally well received two years ago. He moved across London and quickly dislodged former No.1 Aaron Ramsdale, who had done little to deserve being dropped.

Mikel Arteta backed Raya as his new first choice and stuck by him, even though he made some high profile errors, and Redknapp was full of praise for how he’s morphed into a top shot-stopper. He said on Sky Sports: “Raya is such a fantastic goalkeeper. That is such a difference maker for them.”

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Arsenal’s defence has proved to be the backbone of their recent competitiveness. Arteta has seen Gabriel and William Saliba combine to become arguably the best centre-half duo on the planet while the likes of Jurrien Timber, Ben White and Myles Lewis-Skelly have helped formed one of the most solid backlines in Europe.

And Raya is confident that new faces in the dressing room can further their title ambitions. He said: “We know the team has been strengthened and we signed quality players that are going to be massive for the success of this club. I’m very happy with everyone and I think it’s very easy to integrate into this dressing room.”

The Gunners boss was outspoken throughout Raya’s debut season as he stuck by his decision to switch his goalkeepers, even admitting he wished he had the courage to change No.1s mid-game.

He said: “I have few regrets, but one of them is that on two occasions, I felt after 60 minutes and 85 minutes of two games in this period to change the goalkeeper in that moment. I didn’t do it, I didn’t have the courage to do it. But I’m able to take a winger or striker and put a centre-back on to play a back five to hold on to a result. We drew those games, and I was so unhappy.”

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