Raya's viewpoint on controversial Newcastle goal

Following our defeat against Newcastle United, David Raya was left bitterly disappointed that the only goal of the game was allowed to stand.

Our shot-stopper was well-placed to give his account of the controversial moment when Joe Willock retrieved a loose ball on the byline, fired in a cross for Joelinton at the back post and saw Anthony Gordon poke in the knockdown.

However, VAR was called in to check about the ball going out of play before Willock’s intervention, a foul by Newcastle’s Brazilian on fellow countryman Gabriel, and a potential offside call in the melee that led to the Magpies’ all-important strike.

Giving his opinion, David said: “What I could see was the ball went out of play, and then after going to the dressing room, looking back at the goal, it’s a big foul on Gabi. He’s pushing him with two hands on his back when he’s about to clear the ball.

“On the other hand, it could have been an offside position, that’s harder to see. But the ball out of play and the foul is a massive decision that’s just going to cost us some points.

“We’re really frustrated. The way we played, the way we competed, it was brilliant from everybody. We did what the gaffer asked us to do; win duels and get the ball up the pitch and everything, but decisions have taken a goal.

 

“We defended very well. I don’t think they had a shot on target, we kept them very quiet, we defended very well, and I thought we played very well. We got into really good positions, we were positive, we were winning duels, we were competing against one of the teams in the division, especially away from home - it’s a tough place to come. So, we are very happy with the performance but very frustrated with the result.”

 

A tough week ends with us losing at West Ham United and now against Newcastle, but there is no time to dwell on past results with the Champions League around the corner and another meeting with Sevilla.

The Spanish international shot-stopper is hoping that playing in front of 60,000 Gooners on a big European night may be just the tonic to get us back to winning ways and put a couple of tough matches behind us, as we aim to start another lengthy undefeated run.

“We’re going to have to start winning games again, and hopefully, we can go on a longer unbeaten run in the Premier League,” he said. “Now our focus is Sevilla on Wednesday at home, that’s another massive game for us. All we can say, is we want the three points.

 

“We are very excited to be back at home at the Emirates with our fans behind us, and to try to get the three points on Wednesday will be massive for us. It’s a very important game.”