David Raya was at fault for a couple of the Luton goals on Tuesday (Picture: Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta refused to point the finger at David Raya after his errors in Arsenal’s win at Luton Town, saying the team needs to defend better as a whole.
The on-loan goalkeeper turned in another shaky performance in the 4-3 win for the Gunners at Kenilworth Road, at fault for two of the three goals the Hatters scored.
Ross Barkley’s strike was firm but near enough to the goalkeeper to expect that he would save it, while Elijah Adebayo’s header comfortably found the back of the net as Raya came out and feebly flapped at a cross.
Arteta was not looking to blame Raya for either goal and when asked about the Spaniard’s performance, he said the whole team needs to be stronger in defending after conceding three against a team fighting to stay in the league.
‘We have to defend better the situations as a team,’ said Arteta. ‘There are certain things leading to the goals and it’s not about blaming, we have never done it, and we’re not going to do it now. It’s about how the team reacts to that, because it’s going to happen, and I love that response.’
Asked specifically if Raya was at fault for the two goals, he said: ‘I think we can defend the goals much better, that’s for sure.’
Arteta was also asked if he had spoken to Raya, replying: ‘I spoke with all of them. They are all jumping. They’re so happy. So I’m a really happy manager today.’
The Arsenal boss had praise for Luton, who remain 17th in the table with nine points from 15 games.
‘Their delivery was excellent and their finishing was excellent,’ he said. ‘Sometimes we just need to applaud the opponent because they did what they did and a big credit to them because they are a really difficult side to beat. It was a tough night.’
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