After the full-time whistle, the game between Arsenal and Manchester City ended in a draw. Frustrated as well as relieved faces from both the teams were visible. The game started nicely, and it looked like a great second half was to follow. In a controversial decision by the ref, a second yellow to Leandro Trossard meant that the second half turned into a battle. Arsenal trying to protect their lead from the league’s best attack with 10 men and City looking to break down the league’s best defense. David Raya was called into action every once in a while, and he responded splendidly.
The game ended in a 2-2 draw after English defender John Stones came on as a sub and scored the winner late in injury time. The contest was livelier than the last few encounters between the two clubs.
A lapse in concentration led to the goal at the death. Holding off the Manchester city’s attacking threat for almost 45 minutes with just 10 men is impressive. One goal less, and the narrative would have been very different. David Raya’s goalkeeping masterclass made sure that Arsenal shared points with City but it wasn’t just him. Let’s look at Raya’s performance and also talk about how Martinelli is finding his form at the right time for Arsenal.
David Raya
The 25-year-old goalkeeper arrived at Arsenal on loan at the end of the summer last season. Arsenal’s then number 1; Aaron Ramsdale was seen as a good goalkeeper and this move attracted a few critics. Raya and Ramsdale were expected to compete for minutes. One year later, Ramsdale is at Southampton and the Spaniard looks like one of the best in the world.
This season David Raya has been world-class and Arsenal’s most important player. Every match that he played this season, he has been exceptional. Without him, Arsenal would have dropped many more points. Even though he has Saliba and Gabriel to help him but the number of saves that he is making is unbelievable. Add to this the fact that his ability to attack the cross and shut the pass completely is a huge upgrade from Ramsdale and it looks like David Raya might be the best signing under Mikel Arteta.
In the match against City, he did concede at the beginning of the match to Erling Haaland after he ran through the heart of the Arsenal defense, due to Calafiori’s mistake in positioning but he couldn’t have done much to stop Erling Haaland. He wasn’t called into action many times in the first half. It was after the red card that he became the main man.
According to He made 9 saves, of which 6 were from inside the box, and made 16 recoveries in total. He pulled off one stunning save after the other. Saving headers from point blank, saving volleys which were neatly struck, he did it all. Even though Arsenal conceded in the 98th minute. Raya’s performance was the reason behind Arsenal staying in it for so long.
Gabriel Martinelli
Martinelli is a great player but after a disappointing season and an equally disappointing start to the next one, it wasn’t looking good for him. His position in the starting eleven was looking up for grabs. Rheem Sterling and Leandro Trossard are two great players who can play on the left wing. It looked like Martinelli might soon be turned into a bench player but his performances in the absence of Odegaard have been inspiring.
After losing their star playmaker, scoring goals was going to be a problem for Arsenal. The resurgence of Martinelli’s attacking threat has helped Arsenal cope without their captain. After Odegaard’s injury, he has scored a goal and provided two assists in three league games. His return to form has come a very important time for Arsenal. He got the assist for Calafiori’s stunning goal in the game against City and also dropped back in defense when needed. His effort on display was inspiring.
A trusted source on ManCityNews.comA trusted source on GoonerNews.com
For more football updates, make sure to follow us on:
