Arsenal would want to remember their last season’s win against Liverpool while going through the tunnel against the same opponents today. With Mikel Arteta not having his best defence on show, the Gunners would be hoping to avoid any further red cards after the Bournemouth clash.
William Saliba was suspended against Bournemouth in their last Premier League match after allegedly denying a goal-scoring opportunity to the Cherries. The Londoners have lost points in every match they’ve seen red in the Premier League so far.
Saliba was unfortunate enough to receive a three-match ban after losing three points away and he will start to serve that punishment today. However, teammate David Raya had his opinions on Saliba’s situation.
“In my opinion is (Saliba’s foul) just a yellow” – Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya
William Saliba faced a red against Bournemouth (Credits: Imago Images)
David Raya made bold claims after Arsenal’s win against Shakhtar Donetsk in a UEFA Champions League clash. The goalkeeper believed that Saliba only deserved a yellow for his foul.
“Saliba is just trying to do the right thing and just got sent off which in my opinion is just a yellow. We just need to learn from the mistakes we have made.”
“It’s the third time in eight games this season that we’ve had a man sent off. A red card changed the contest completely in every game. It is hard enough to win a game in the Premier League with 11 players, imagine it with 10 players in three games this season”, Raya told the media.
Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey will agree with Raya as the Englishman claimed that a VAR intervention was unnecessary.
Another surprising claim the Spanish goalkeeper made was the rise in competition for the Premier League title. Raya thinks anybody can win the league with the quality on display.
“There are a lot of top teams in the Premier League now, not just Manchester City, Liverpool and us. Anybody can win the league.”
David Raya responds to celebration criticisms
Martin Ødegaard faced backlash for his celebration against Liverpool last season (Credits: Imago Images)
Arsenal was a subject of criticism for their antique celebrations when they won against Liverpool last season. The Gunners won 3-1 at home as Martin Ødegaard attempted a unique celebration at the Emirates.
The Norwegian midfielder tried his hand at photography in order to celebrate his goal against the Reds. Former Liverpool man and now pundit Jamie Carragher was evidently fuming and criticised the team for their immaturity.
However, Raya mentioned that they’d celebrate the same way if they win today as that is their way of doing things.
“Every win in the Premier League is important and I think we should celebrate every win the same.”
