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‘No presence’… Sky pundit slates £30m Arsenal player despite win at Luton

Giuseppe Labellarte

Tue 5 December 2023 21:57, UK Updated Tue 5 December 2023 22:19, UK

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya was criticised by Henri Lansbury on Sky Sports for his role in Luton Town’s second goal on Tuesday night.

The Gunners stopper was at fault for the goal that saw the Hatters restore parity at 2-2 in the 49th minute of the Premier League match.

Alfie Doughty’s in-swinging corner tempted Raya to come off his line to try and catch the ball inside his six-yard box.

However, Elijah Adebayo got there first, rising high above the Arsenal goalkeeper to head the ball into the Gunners net.

Lansbury, who played for both Arsenal and Luton, was commentating on the match on Soccer Special, via the Sky Sports .

He criticised Raya for lacking presence in the lead-up to the goal and suggested this would see Aaron Ramsdale get a look-in once again.

“It’s another set piece. Raya came out for it and Adebayo was higher,” said Lansbury.

“Luton have done it again and Arsenal have it all to do. Luton have played well and if they keep the confidence up and they’ve got half a chance.

“Ramsdale back in, isn’t it? Raya has no presence about him there and it’s 2-2. It’s a fair challenge, he’s just misread the flight.”

The 28-year-old then made another mistake for Luton’s third, Ross Barkley’s shot squirming under him just a few minutes later.

Later on, Lansbury : “Troubles in paradise for Arsenal with this No 1 spot…

“For Luton, every point is massive for them and they need every one they can get.”

Arsenal win at Luton despite David Raya mistakes

Luckily, Raya’s mistakes didn’t cost Arsenal in the end.

Kai Havertz brought the Gunners back to 3-3 on the hour mark and Declan Rice headed home deep into injury time to clinch all three points.

Nonetheless, it looks as though the Raya v Ramsdale saga at Arsenal has just taken another turn.

Raya, who’s to cost Arsenal £30million if they sign him – a £3million loan fee plus £27million – began brightly at the Emirates.

However, errors have begun creeping into his game, so it’ll be interesting to see whether this gives Ramsdale a chance to get back into the starting XI.

Then, further down the line, could this potentially jeopardise Raya’s permanent move to the Emirates Stadium? It is an option to buy, after all.