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Pundit disagrees with Mikel Arteta, says £27m Arsenal player should have done better vs Porto

Billy Meyers

Thu 22 February 2024 15:45, UK

Alan Brazil has claimed that Mikel Arteta is wrong not to blame David Raya for Galeno’s goal as Arsenal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Porto.

The 64-year-old made the comments when speaking on talkSPORT breakfast.

So, what did Alan Brazil say about Arsenal No.22 David Raya? Let’s take a look…

Alan Brazil criticises David Raya

Well, the Glaswegian felt the Spaniard could have done better with Porto’s 93rd minute winner, specifically in regards to the glovesman’s positioning.

Brazil : “He’s got to move his feet. If he takes a step back he gets that all day long. He (Mikel Arteta) says he doesn’t blame keeper but I am sorry, I am. I am blaming a lack of closing. For me the keeper has got to be better.”

Raya was defended by Arteta as the 41-year-old underwent his media duties after the match.

The Arsenal boss : “We have to defend better the situations as a team. There are certain things leading to the goals and it’s not about blaming, we have never done it, and we’re not going to do it now.”

Arteta is spot on – there were a number of mishaps from Arsenal well before Galeno even took a shot at Raya’s goal.

Arsenal made to pay for stoppage time sloppiness

While Raya might have done better with Galeno’s effort on another day, the man was undoubtedly let down by his teammates.

Firstly, Gabriel Martinelli’s wild long ball in the 93rd minute directly led to Porto starting an attack – the Brazil international is experienced enough to know better in terms of game management.

Declan Rice could have also done better in regards to closing down Galeno.

Football is a team game, and while Raya will find himself under the spotlight due to the Brazilian’s late winner, there were a number of mistakes in the build up which could have easily been avoided.