Gary Neville Lauds David Raya's Response After Arsenal's North London Derby Triumph
Gary Neville has described David Raya as an "absolutely incredible" signing for Arsenal following the goalkeeper's commanding performance in Sunday's emphatic 4-1 victory over north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. The Sky Sports pundit highlighted Raya's resilience after a rare error in last week's 2-2 draw with Wolves, where the Spanish shot-stopper collided with defender Gabriel, allowing the relegation-threatened side to score a late equalizer.
Raya's Redemption After Wolves Blunder
Neville admitted he questioned how Raya would respond to his uncharacteristic mistake ahead of the crucial derby clash. "I was wondering if these mistakes were becoming contagious and would cost a team who were dominant in most matches," Neville revealed on his Sky Sports podcast. "He had all of Thursday and Friday to think long and hard about that Wolves game and listen to the noise. How is he going to respond? Is he going to be a bit more tentative and wobbly and shaky?"
The answer was emphatic. Raya delivered what Neville called a "dominant" performance, catching every cross that came into his area and making a crucial save that helped Arsenal secure three vital points. "Look at his body language, he had authority and dominated his area," Neville emphasized. "It was really important for him today to get back to his mistake-free best."
From Brentford Backup to Arsenal's Number One
Eyebrows were raised when Arsenal signed Raya from Brentford in 2023 for £27 million, given that Mikel Arteta already had England international Aaron Ramsdale at the Emirates Stadium. However, Raya quickly displaced Ramsdale as Arsenal's first-choice goalkeeper and has since established himself as one of the Premier League's most consistent performers between the posts.
"I think he's been absolutely incredible, what a goalkeeper he's been this season and since he joined Arsenal," Neville stated, highlighting the Spaniard's rapid adaptation to life at one of England's biggest clubs.
Title Race Intensifies After Derby Victory
Arsenal's convincing derby win puts them five points clear of second-placed Manchester City, though Pep Guardiola's side have a game in hand. Neville analyzed the growing title pressure, noting that "games really do count now" as the season enters its decisive phase.
"Man City are dangerous with the fact they've got [Omar] Marmoush, [Erling] Haaland, [Rayan] Cherki, [Antoine] Semenyo, [Phil] Foden," Neville warned. "If they can keep the centre-backs fit, they've got a chance. The goalkeeper's good, the manager is exceptional."
The former Manchester United defender pointed to City's recent celebrations after their victory over Newcastle as psychological warfare. "Pep will say it's not, but it is," Neville said of Guardiola's mind games. "Every time you speak now for the next two months, every time you do something on the pitch, it's going to be transmitting to the opposition team."
Arsenal's Character Test in Title Run-In
Neville believes Arsenal have withstood City's psychological pressure but warned of the challenges ahead. "Arsenal have withstood that, and they're going to have to withstand that for another six to eight weeks," he cautioned. "They were never going to get this Premier League title handed to them on a plate. It doesn't work like that."
While Neville predicted Arsenal would "almost crawl over the line" to secure the championship, he emphasized the monumental nature of their upcoming clash at the Etihad Stadium on April 18. "It's going to be a massive struggle," he concluded. "I don't think it's going to be easy and that game is going to be monumental."
Despite the focus on Arsenal's attacking stars Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze, who both scored twice in the derby victory, Neville's praise for Raya underscores the goalkeeper's crucial role in Arsenal's title challenge. The Spaniard's response to adversity has reinforced his value to Arteta's side as they navigate the Premier League's most demanding period.
