Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira has raised concerns about manager Mikel Arteta’s persistent inclusion of goalkeeper David Raya, despite the player’s lackluster performance against Barcelona. Vieira questions Arteta’s decision-making and points out the presence of seemingly superior players on the bench.
Raya, who faced challenges with the Emery family since his summer transfer, is the focal point of Vieira’s criticism. Despite support from Arsenal fans, Raya has struggled to accept Arteta’s choice to bench the impressive Aaron Ramsdale. Vieira suggests that Raya’s discomfort with the ball, particularly evident in the early stages against Brighton, raises doubts about the Spaniard’s ability to meet Arteta’s expectations.
The goalkeeper’s acquisition was initially praised for his defensive skills, but Vieira, citing BBC pundit MorrĖson, emphasizes Raya’s evident struggles in the first half against Brighton. MorrĖson asserts that Raya appears nervous and frequently makes rushed and erroneous decisions, failing to keep things simple.
Vieira’s critique reflects his confusion over Arteta persisting with a player who, in his view, failed to make a meaningful impact on the pitch. The legendary Arsenal player questions why Arteta doesn’t opt for seemingly superior alternatives sitting on the bench.
