David Raya unfazed by the celebration police around Gunners ahead of the crucial game vs Liverpool in the Premier League.
David Raya says that “the same emotions” will be on show if Arsenal emerge winners vs Liverpool.
When the two teams faced off in February, Arsenal won 3-1, and Ødegaard celebrated by using the club photographer’s camera on the field. Carragher, a commentator on Sky Sports, raged: “Just get down the tunnel.” You’ve been outstanding; you’ve won a game and three points. Get down the tunnel and get back into the title battle. Sincerely, I mean it. Gary Neville, another commentator, went on to say: “There’s a little bit of immaturity” in Arsenal’s festivities.
Such disapproval is unlikely to deter Mikel Arteta’s side should they end up victorious against Arne Slot’s high-flyers. “Every win in the Premier League is important and I think we should celebrate every win the same,” said the Arsenal goalkeeper Raya.
“Of course, when we played them in the second half of the season it was a massive three points for us. And that emotion for everybody to win against Liverpool is important and is incredible. If we win on Sunday, it’s going to be the same emotions and same celebrations.”
William Saliba, who played every minute in the league the previous season, will not be in front of Raya for the match because the center-half is suspended after being sent off in last weekend’s 2-0 loss to Bournemouth. Saliba’s dismissal was Arsenal’s third this season, following the dismissals of Leandro Trossard against Manchester City and Declan Rice against Brighton. In all three games, Arsenal lost points.
“Saliba is just trying to do the right thing and just got sent off which in my opinion is just a yellow,” said Raya. “We just need to learn from the mistakes we have made. It’s the third time in eight games this season that we’ve had a man sent off. A red card changed the contest completely in every game. It is hard enough to win a game in the Premier League with 11 players. Imagine it with 10 players in three games this season.”
On the challenge that awaits, a Liverpool side with seven wins from eight in the league, Raya added. “They’ve got a new manager and I think they’ve increased the level. They’re a top, top team. There are a lot of top teams in the Premier League now, not just Manchester City, Liverpool and us. Anybody can win the league.”