David Raya says Arsenal are assured that they will reel in Premier League leaders Liverpool after their come-from-behind win over Tottenham on Wednesday night time, a match that served as a vindication for the goalkeeper’s insistence over how shortly issues can change in soccer.
When Heung-min Son’s shot deflected off William Saliba and into the online halfway by the primary half of the North London derby, it appeared Arsenal is likely to be dealing with the very actual prospect of a seven-day interval wherein mortal blows have been inflicted on their hopes of lifting the EFL Cup and Premier League both aspect of their elimination from the FA Cup. Nevertheless, the hosts rallied earlier than the half was out, Gabriel forcing an personal aim from Dominic Solanke and Leandro Trossard placing the winner. Now the Gunners discover themselves 4 factors behind Liverpool, held to a draw by Nottingham Forest the night time earlier than, albeit having performed a sport extra.
The league leaders have dropped factors in 4 of their final seven Premier League video games and although Arsenal haven’t been as constant in punishing these slips as they may want to be, Raya is assured that he and his teammates can catch Arne Slot’s aspect. “Three weeks in the past, individuals have been saying Liverpool had the title of their arms,” he stated. “It’s simply soccer. Every thing adjustments in two, three video games. We simply must give attention to ourselves, attempt to win each sport and we’ll see the place we’re on the finish of the season.
“In soccer, every little thing can occur. We simply must give attention to ourselves. Subsequent coaching session, subsequent restoration and subsequent sport. Do not assume an excessive amount of forward as a result of that may play badly towards us. Concentrate on ourselves, give attention to the following sport. Do not assume an excessive amount of concerning the future. Simply stay the current. That’s an important factor.”
It might properly take a relentless profitable run for Arsenal to bridge the hole on the prime of the desk. A yr in the past they proved they have been able to precisely that, reeling off 16 victories of their final 18 Premier League video games, not fairly sufficient to pip Manchester Metropolis to the title however an excellent run however. The one defeat in that streak got here at dwelling to Aston Villa, who journey to the Emirates on Saturday.
A tiring aspect who have been down to simply 18 senior gamers on Wednesday night time will know they have to beat Villa to maintain stress on Liverpool, who will play earlier than them away to Brentford.
“We need to win each single sport, irrespective of the opposition,” stated Raya. “We all know how good Aston Villa are and we simply must give attention to ourselves after which the following one. We play Aston Villa subsequent and we simply must recuperate, practice and be prepared for Saturday.
“We all know how powerful it’ll be however we’re going to be able to win the sport and get the three factors.”
With numbers skinny the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly has been a matter of no little aid for Mikel Arteta in current months. The 18-year-old, who got here by Arsenal’s academy as a central midfielder, has excelled as a left again all through this season and delivered maybe his greatest efficiency thus far within the derby win. Hailed by Declan Rice for qualities akin to Mousa Dembele whereas Arteta toasted his “composure” and “perspective,” the teenager doesn’t need for reward. Raya was greater than ready so as to add to that.
“He is unbelievable,” stated the Spain worldwide. “He does not look 18, he does not really feel 18 due to the character that he has on the pitch. He confirmed [Wednesday], it is not a simple fixture to play at such a younger age, the character he confirmed, the balls he performed, the drive, every little thing he has finished is magnificent. It is so good to have him on board.”
