In summary
- Arteta refused to criticise David Raya
- Arteta, however, would not be drawn on Raya’s performance.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta refused to criticise David Raya despite the goalkeeper being at fault for two Luton Town goals in the Gunners’ dramatic 4-3 win at Kenilworth Road.
Declan Rice’s headed goal seven minutes into stoppage time secured a sensational victory for the visitors, a result that moves them five points clear at the top of the Premier League.
However, that outcome had looked unlikely when Raya’s errors allowed Luton to turn the game on its head with goals from Elijah Adebayo and Ross Barkley early in the second half.
Arteta, however, would not be drawn on Raya’s performance.
“Today we conceded some goals we’ll be disappointed with,” he said in his post-match press conference. “That’s part of it as well, it’s going to happen. It’s how we react to that.
“We have to defend better the situations as a team, certain things leading to the goals and it is not about blaming, we have never done it and we are not going to do it now. It is about how the team reacts, it is going to happen and I love that response. But we can defend much better for the two goals, that is for sure.” Arsenal boss said.
The Scoring Moment
Arsenal had opened the scoring when Gabriel Martinelli tapped home after being set up by a low cross from Bukayo Saka, though Luton hit back quickly when Gabriel Osho headed in from a corner to make it 1-1.
Arteta’s side regained the lead before the break, Gabriel Jesus nodding beyond Thomas Kaminski at the far post after good link-up play between Saka and Ben White on the right, but they were again pegged back shortly after half-time by Adebayo who out-jumped the goalkeeper to equalize.
