Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has made a stunning post-match admission after his side’s bruising encounter with Manchester United, revealing that one United player pushed him to the edge throughout the entire 90 minutes.
Speaking candidly after the final whistle, Raya described a level of pressure and aggression he says he has rarely — if ever — experienced in his professional career.
“Throughout the whole 90 minutes I couldn’t breathe because of him. In my career I have never faced such a dangerously aggressive player like him before. He really shocked me yesterday,” Raya admitted.
Relentless From First Minute to Last
According to Raya, the Manchester United player did not give him a single moment of peace. From goal kicks to recycled possession, every touch was contested. Every second on the ball felt rushed.
The United attacker led the press with intelligence and intensity — cutting off passing lanes, forcing rushed clearances, and constantly positioning himself to capitalise on even the slightest mistake.
Raya was repeatedly forced into long balls, abandoning Arsenal’s usual build-up play as United’s pressure suffocated his options.
More Than Just Running
What made the performance especially difficult, Raya explained, was not just the physical aggression — but the timing and intelligence behind it.
The United player:
-
Pressed at exactly the right moments
-
Anticipated Raya’s distribution patterns
-
Closed angles with sharp movement
-
Never stopped communicating and organising the press
“It wasn’t chaos,” a source close to the Arsenal camp noted. “It was calculated pressure.”
Carrick’s Tactical Masterstroke
Michael Carrick’s game plan clearly targeted Arsenal’s build-up through the goalkeeper, and the execution was ruthless. United’s pressing trigger often began with the named player, who acted as the spearhead of the entire structure.
Carrick wants his team to be aggressive without losing shape, and this performance was the perfect example. Arsenal’s rhythm was disrupted early, and frustration began to creep in as the game wore on.
Fans Take Notice
Manchester United supporters were quick to praise the display, with many calling it one of the most complete off-the-ball performances of the season.
Leave a Reply