David Raya shows why he’s Prem’s best goalkeeper as Ezri Konsa endures brutal battle with Brian Brobbey
DAVID RAYA stole the show as Arsenal maintained their perfect record in the Premier League. The Gunners had to battle for all three points against but came out...
DAVID RAYA stole the show as Arsenal maintained their perfect record in the Premier League.
The Gunners had to battle for all three points against but came out on top with .
David Raya saved Arsenal multiple times against Sunderland Credit: Getty
Ezri Konsa struggled at the Stadium of Light Credit: Getty
Raya played a key role as he saved a penalty from Enzo Le Fee before fired in the opener.
was saved his blushes by Raya as he gave away the penalty and had a tough battle with for the 90 minutes.
Here’s how SunSport’s rated the Gunners at The Stadium of Light…
David Raya 9
Didn’t have a single save to make in the first half, but came up trumps after the break with a heroic penalty save.
Underlined why he is the best goalkeeper in the Premier League right now with another incredible stop late on.
Ben White 6
Picked to start for the sixth game in a row, but only lasted until half time due to what looked like a groin injury. Arsenal’s bad luck with injuries at right-back continues.
Ezri Konsa 6
Had a tough night as he was in a proper battle with Brian Brobbey, who caused him problems.
Gave away a penalty after tussling with Dan Ballard – but it felt like a harsh call on the Gunners defender. Rallied well and made some big blocks late on.
Raya was the star for Arsenal against the Black Cats Credit: Reuters
Gabriel 7
Had one hairy moment where he was almost involved in a mix-up with from a long throw.
Other than that, the Brazilian was solid and even went close with a long-range strike in the first half.
Riccardo Calafiori 7
Had Arsenal’s first shot of the game with a signature run into the penalty area.
Did not get forward as much as he can do, but solid defensively.
Declan Rice 8
Thriving in a deeper role this season. Mopped up so much in the middle of the park and sprayed the ball around nicely, too. A classy performance.
Myles Lewis-Skelly 6
Became the first English teenager to start Arsenal’s first four league games of a season since David Rocastle and did 30 years ago. Steady, completing 27 of his 29 passes, but off at the break.
Bukayo Saka 8
Should have done much better early on when Declan Rice’s dinked pass put him through.
Improved during the second 45 minutes, though, and won – and scored – a penalty in the dying moments.
Bruno Guimaraes scored a screamer to put Arsenal ahead Credit: Reuters
Bukayo Saka sealed the win from the spot Credit: Getty
Martin Odegaard 8
Continued his good form and was unlucky to finish this game without an assist.
Created two good chances for in the first half and another for after the break.
Christos Tzolis 6
Restored to the starting XI after coming off the bench at on Wednesday night. The odd bright moment in attack and worked tirelessly off the ball.
Kai Havertz 6
Wasted the best chance of the first half when he fired Martin Odegaard’s cut-back over the bar.
Failed to make the most of another opening after the break, too, when he crossed instead of shooting.
Subs
Jurrien Timber (White 46’) 7
On at half time for his first minutes since the final in May. Remarkably showed little signs of rust and slotted straight into the defence with ease. Even had the ball in the net, but was flagged offside.
Bruno Guimaraes (MLS 46’) 8
On at the break to a hostile reception – and instantly made his mark with a truly stunning strike. The former Newcastle captain absolutely loved it and gleefully celebrated in front of the home fans. A monster performance.
Martin Zubimendi (Rice 81’) N/A
Eberechi Eze (Tzolis 81’) N/A
Mikel Merino (Odegaard 85’) N/A
Subs not used: Arrizabalaga, Hincapie, Madueke, Gyokeres