Arsenal haven’t had the best of runs in recent weeks, dropping points in each of their last three Premier League games.
However, there have been some bright sparks for Arsenal in recent times.
Ethan Nwaneri has earned a lot of praise as of late, while Martin Odegaard was very good against PSV last week.
Arsenal drew with Manchester United at the weekend, but the Gunners could have come away with nothing if it wasn’t for an incredible late save by David Raya from a Bruno Fernandes shot.
Speaking on the Optus Sport Football Podcast, Mark Schwarzer has been discussing David Raya after this performance, and the pundit says that the Spaniard has proven him wrong since his £27m arrival.
David Raya has proven Mark Schwarzer wrong
Schwarzer spoke about the Arsenal goalkeeper and how he’s changed his mind.
According to the Australian, he wasn’t convinced by Raya when he first arrived at Arsenal, believing that Aaron Ramsdale deserved to keep his spot at the Gunners’ number one.
However, now Schwarzer has changed his stance on Raya, believing that he’s an excellent player.
“But David Raya, I thought, and I said it before, I wasn’t convinced he was the right signing,’ Schwarzer said.
“I wasn’t convinced he was one that should be number one ahead of Aaron Ramsdale. But you have to admit, look, I admit he has surprised me. He’s been excellent for Arsenal.
“He’s been one of their best players consistently over the last two seasons by a long shot. And even in the season now where we’re all saying it’s doom and gloom for Arsenal. I mean, they’re second in the league, aren’t they?
“They’re four points ahead of Nottingham Forest. And they’re in the Champions League. So it’s not all doom and gloom, right?”
David Raya Arsenal stats compared to Aaron Ramsdale
Mikel Arteta’s decision to replace Aaron Ramsdale with David Raya was controversial.
Indeed, Raya and Ramsdale were huge talking points last season, but Raya has now put that conversation to bed.
Raya has earned lots of praise in recent times, and his stats have been much better than his predecessor.
| David Raya for Arsenal | Aaron Ramsdale for Arsenal | |
|---|---|---|
| 81 | Games | 89 |
| 65 | Goals conceded | 99 |
| 35 | Clean sheets | 32 |
| 0.8 | Goals conceded per game | 1.1 |
| 43% | Clean sheet percentage | 36% |
Raya always got along well with Ramsdale, but ultimately, his arrival at Arsenal was the death knoll for Ramsdale as he would be sold to Southampton just one year later.
This was a difficult call for Mikel Arteta to make, but, ultimately, it was the right decision, as Schwarzer says.
Arsenal have had a difficult time as of late, but their goalkeeper has been one of their better performers.
