David Raya made a huge error for Luton’s second goal against Arsenal (Photo: Getty)
Aaron Ramsdale appeared to laugh at Arsenal teammate David Raya after the keeper made two howlers against Luton Town on Tuesday night.
Arsenal came from behind to beat Luton 4-3 at Kenilworth Road thanks to a 97th minute winner from Declan Rice that moves the Gunners five points clear at the top of the table.
While Raya was not to blame for the Hatters’ opener in the first-half, the keeper made a huge error for the second, and ought to have done a lot better to save the third.
The Spaniard was signed last summer to much surprise given Ramsdale’s impressive form, and quickly usurped the England international in the pecking order.
And those watching Amazon’s coverage of the match were quick to spot that Ramsdale appeared to be laughing at a replay of the third goal but quickly dropped his smile as he realised the cameras were on him.
It contrasts an incident earlier this season, when Raya made an outstanding save during the win over Manchester City, which prompted Ramsdale to give his fellow keeper a standing ovation
For his part, Mikel Arteta refused to even discuss Raya’s performance, telling Amazon post-match: ‘I’m so happy with the team.’
Pressed for an opinion on Raya, he again deflected: ‘I have spoken with all the team and they are jumping. I’m a really happy manager today.’
Asked again by the BBC about the howlers, the manager said: ‘It’s part of the job, but I’m really happy with the team so let’s move on.’
He was a little more open about the matter in his post-match press conference, saying: ‘We have to defend better the situations as a team. There are certain things leading to the goals.
‘It’s not about blaming. We have never done it and we won’t do it now.’
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But Premier League legend Alan Shearer did not hold back in criticising Raya, saying: ‘It’s the obsession with having a footballing goalkeeper these days where you forget the fundamentals of shot stopping and collecting a cross.
‘Raya never looks comfortable from the cross. It’s a huge error from the goalkeeper.’
It comes at a time when Ramsdale is being linked with a move away from the Emirates, with Newcastle tipped to make a move for him following the injury to Nick Pope.
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The Arsenal keeper made two costly mistakes at Luton.