Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager, opted not to castigate David Raya, even though the goalkeeper was responsible for two Luton Town goals during the Gunners‘ nail-biting 4-3 triumph at Kenilworth Road.
The dramatic victory, sealed by Declan Rice’s headed goal in the seventh minute of stoppage time, propelled Arsenal five points ahead at the Premier League summit.
Despite Raya’s mistakes opening the door for Luton to stage a comeback with goals from Elijah Adebayo and Ross Barkley early in the second half, Arteta chose a measured response.
The manager refrained from singling out the goalkeeper, emphasizing the overall team effort that ultimately secured the sensational win for Arsenal.
Arteta, however, would not be drawn on Raya’s performance.
“Today we conceded some goals we’ll be disappointed with,” he said in his post-match press conference. “That’s part of it as well, it’s going to happen. It’s how we react to that.
“We have to defend better the situations as a team, certain things leading to the goals and it is not about blaming, we have never done it and we are not going to do it now.
“It is about how the team reacts, it is going to happen and I love that response. But we can defend much better for the two goals, that is for sure.”
