Arsenal Keeper David Raya: We Weren’t at Our Best, but We Fought Hard

Raya’s Heroics Seal Arsenal Win Despite Old Trafford Struggles

Arsenal’s narrow victory at Old Trafford was not a showcase of their usual slick football, but instead a test of resilience. Goalkeeper David Raya admitted the Gunners struggled for rhythm, yet praised the determination that ultimately secured a valuable three points.

Speaking after the game, Raya was honest in his assessment of the performance. “The quality wasn’t there. We weren’t on our best day with the ball. Defensively, we weren’t at our best, so that was a hard fight,” he told Sky Sports.

“We got our goal in the first half with a corner, and from there we just fought until the end. Credit to the boys for getting the clean sheet. We know we could have lost the game, but football is like this. Days like this is when the three points count.”

Arsenal’s decisive moment came through a first-half set piece, with Riccardo Calafiori reacting quickest to nod the ball home after Altay Bayindir faltered in United’s goal. From then on, the visitors had to withstand waves of pressure. United carved out the better opportunities, but Raya’s sharp reactions kept them at bay.

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One of the standout moments came midway through the second half when debutant Matheus Cunha looked certain to equalise. Raya, somehow, managed to stick out a foot and divert the close-range effort away.

Reflecting on that crucial intervention, he admitted: “The save from Cunha was a tough one. I don’t know how I saved it to be honest, it was so close to my feet. Delighted to help the team to get the save and three points.”