Arteta ignores Raya questions in awkward interview after goalkeeper’s howlers

Mikel Arteta refused to answer any questions about David Raya’s howlers after Arsenal’s dramatic 4-3 win over Luton Town.

The Gunners let their lead slip twice on Tuesday night after in-form Brazilians Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus had netted. They then fell behind in the second half before having to mount a comeback, with Kai Havertz levelling the score before Declan Rice sent the away end into raptures with a 97th minute headed winner.

At fault for two of Luton’s goals was summer signing David Raya, who has controversially become Arsenal’s No.1 goalkeeper this season in place of Aaron Ramsdale. Raya was beaten to a whipped corner despite having the advantage of being able to use his hands – and then let Ross Barkley’s shot creep in underneath him.

READ MORE: David Raya suffers two howlers at Luton as Arsenal keeper slammed as 'rubbish liability'

READ MORE: Declan Rice's last-second winner at Luton sees Arsenal fans insist 'title is still on'

And Arteta was not having any of the questions surrounding Raya’s performance or Arsenal’s goalkeeper selection after the final whistle as the Amazon Prime reporter asked: “There is a lot of talk about the goalkeeper situation at the moment. Is it fair to say two of the goals were gifted to Luton?”

The Spaniard responded in a facetious tone: “I am so happy with the team,” before being asked: “Have you spoken to David Raya?”

But the Gunners boss added: “I spoke with all of them. They are all jumping. They’re so happy. So I’m a really happy manager today.”

Do you think Arteta made the wrong decision in signing Raya? Let us know in the comments section below

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Tuesday night’s poor goalkeeping display meant Arsenal conceded three away goals for the first time this term, doubling their total goals conceded on the road for the season.

It comes as the latest turn in a head-scratching saga involving Arteta, Raya and Ramsdale. Raya was brought in on loan from Brentford despite many believing Ramsdale’s position to be secure at the north London club for years to come.

Arteta played down talk of Ramsdale being dropped early in the season by stating his two goalkeepers are interchangeable. But Raya has since started all but one of Arsenal’s last 11 games, with the exception being a trip to parent club Brentford in November where he was not eligible to play.

Replacement Ramsdale had a nervy showing on that occasion, with Arteta ducking any questions about the England international. “I’m so happy with the team, with the way we performed, the clean sheet. I’m so happy with the way everyone played,” he said.

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