David Raya Held Responsible for Arsenal’s Defeat against Porto: Michael Owen’s Opinion
Arsenal suffered a disappointing defeat against Porto in their Champions League last 16 first leg clash, with Galeno’s late goal giving the Portuguese side a slender advantage. According to former England striker Michael Owen, Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya was at fault for the concession of the goal.
The game started off with a dull first leg that seemed destined to end in a goalless draw. However, Gabriel Martinelli’s costly error proved to be the turning point. His over-ambitious pass led to a Porto breakaway, with Galeno seizing the opportunity from distance and finding the back of the net with a curling strike.
Owen shared his opinion on the goal, stating that he believed Raya could have done better. He suggested that instead of diving straight away, Raya should have taken one or two steps to the side and then jumped. The slow pace of the ball allowed for this adjustment, but Raya failed to make it in time.
Despite the criticism, Raya remained positive after the match, highlighting Arsenal’s defensive display against Porto. He acknowledged that there were areas to improve upon, particularly in managing the last minutes of the game, but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to turn things around in the second leg at the Emirates Stadium.
Looking ahead, Arsenal will have the advantage of playing on home turf with their fans behind them. Raya emphasized their determination to win the game and progress in the competition. With their defensive strength and the support of their supporters, Arsenal will be aiming to overturn the deficit and secure a place in the Champions League quarter-finals.
In other news related to Arsenal’s defeat against Porto, Theo Walcott has urged the club to sign Ivan Toney, Porto head coach Sergio Conceicao has hit back at Mikel Arteta’s tactics criticism, and Walcott doubts whether Arteta trusts certain Arsenal players after the disappointing result.
Despite the setback, Arsenal remains optimistic about their chances, and with the second leg to come, anything is possible. The team will be looking to learn from their mistakes, make the necessary adjustments, and come out stronger in front of their home crowd. The stage is set for an exciting and decisive clash at the Emirates Stadium.