“I don’t understand why Arteta keeps forcing him today despite playing rubbish when there are other better players on the bench”- Arsenal icon Patrick Vieira blasts Arsenal star that was just roaming about on the pitch without contributing anything meaningful throughout

Patrick Vierra slams Arsenal player left ‘panicking’ against Brighton

Vierra suggested that David Raya did not look at all comfortable on the ball during the early stages as Arsenal faced Brighton at the Emirates.

Of course, it has been a tough time for David Raya since his move to the Emirates in the summer. And, while Arsenal fans have supported him, it is probably fair to say that he has not been able to vindicate Mikel Arteta’s decision to drop Aaron Ramsdale.

Raya was seemingly signed because of the quality of his distribution. However, the Spaniard came in for criticism from Morrison during the first-half against the Seagulls. 

David Raya struggles in first-half for Arsenal

The BBC pundit, Speaking on Five Live (broadcast on 17/12; 14:25), suggested that he was really struggling and making some poor decisions with the ball at his feet.

“He does not look comfortable on the ball, Raya. He doesn’t need to force it, he can just keep it simple. But he’s rushing and he’s panicking at the moment,” he said. 

Gunners goalkeeper yet to vindicate Mikel Arteta’s decision

Mikel Arteta has seemingly made it clear who his number one is. Ramsdale did not appear to do a lot wrong during the opening weeks of the season. And of course, he was absolutely exceptional for the large majority of last season.

Raya meanwhile, has struggled. He has made a few mistakes, not least in the recent win against Luton when Raya was culpable for two of the goals the home side scored at Kenilworth Road.

And if Ramsdale can be dropped without making a lot of mistakes, the man coming in to replace him has to be almost flawless.

Raya however, has certainly not been that so far. And it should definitely be a concern for Arsenal as they battle for the Premier League title that the 28-year-old is not even looking assured in possession given how much quality he has.