David Raya is relishing the pressure of the Premier League title race but has urged Arsenal to focus on the job at hand and not on chasing Manchester City.
The Gunners ensured they stayed at the summit in May with a 3-2 win at Tottenham on Sunday.
It briefly opened up a four-point gap at the top, but Pep Guardiola’s side cut it to a solitary point with a 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest later in the day.
City have a crucial game against Arsenal, at Tottenham on May 14, but Raya laughed off suggestions he would favor his rivals.
“I don’t want to focus on that. I just want to focus on the team, on us, and focus on next week,” Raya said.
“We can’t focus on other teams because you lose focus on yourself and you don’t start playing the same way.
“You have to focus on yourself and the team, on what you can control. If you focus on things you can’t control, things won’t go well.
“Every game is important and we have three games. We have to think about the next game, which is Bournemouth at home.
“We just have to keep the momentum going, try to get the three points on Saturday and we’ll see what happens in the end.
“I like challenges and I don’t feel pressured. I feel like when there’s pressure, like you say, it’s an opportunity to show what you’re capable of. I really enjoy this challenge. Enjoying it.”
Raya had to show his character during the closing stages of Arsenal’s win at Tottenham when his poor pass gifted Cristian Romero a 64th-minute goal.
Mikel Arteta’s side took control of the derby with tries from Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz after Pierre-Emile Hodgberg’s own goal, but Spurs set up a stunning finale when Son Heung-min scored with three minutes remaining. Scored a penalty.
However, Raya held on to claim a number of crosses into his penalty area as Arsenal won 12 of 14 league matches in 2024.
Raya added: “We were in control until I made a mistake for the first goal.
“The last few minutes were a bit more shaky for outsiders, but for us it’s our job.
“I really enjoyed the challenge of keeping the ball out of the net and trying to help the team as much as possible with crosses. We showed great character collectively and it showed on the pitch.
“I thought I was very strong mentally and I forgot the mistake, continued my game and tried to help the team.”
Arsenal now focus on Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth before they travel to Manchester United on May 12.
“It’s winning the game in a big way, especially when it’s a North London derby. I know what it means to the fans, the club, the players and it’s unbelievable,” said Raya.
“You have to win away games to push for the title and I think we’re showing that.
“We just have to focus on ourselves, rest well and prepare for the next match.”
Credit : www.independent.co.uk
