West Ham United striker Michail Antonio thinks people have been ‘harsh’ on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya recently.
Antonio has been speaking on the Footballer’s Football Podcast and discussed Raya’s recent form in an Arsenal shirt.
Raya has received some scrutiny over the past week after a shaky performance at Chelsea over the weekend.
The 28-year-old was at fault for Mykhaylo Mudryk’s goal and also nearly made a costly error as he gave the ball to Cole Palmer.
The Spaniard put in a slightly more assured display at Sevilla last night, despite giving the ball away once again in the first half.
And Antonio believes the criticism Raya has received has been out of line.
Antonio on ‘harsh’ Raya treatment
Speaking on the Footballer’s Football Podcast, Antonio believes Mudryk’s goal could have happened to any top goalkeeper.
“I think it’s harsh,” the Hammers striker said. “I honestly think it’s harsh people talking about Raya and that opportunity there.
“In that situation, I think it could happen to anybody because most keepers are setting up for the cross to try and see if they can come out and claim it.
“It’s happened so many times in football, you never expect someone to miss kick the ball in professional football, so you position yourself in the right position for what’s going to happen.”
Of course, it remains unclear whether Mudryk’s attempted cross was an intentional effort at goal. But Raya has received criticism following the 2-2 draw at Chelsea as he was caught off his line.
The £30 million man has recently replaced Aaron Ramsdale as Mikel Arteta’s preferred choice between the sticks.
He’s enjoyed some decent games in an Arsenal shirt so far, but he’s also looked shaky with the ball at his feet.
Some Arsenal fans have even called for Ramsdale to get another opportunity between the sticks after some questionable performances from Raya.
Yet, it seems that Arteta is determined to stick by the former Bees shot-stopper for the time being.