Former Tottenham player Rafael van der Vaart has heavily criticized David Raya for his performance during Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich, particularly focusing on his attempt to save a penalty from Harry Kane.
Bayern Munich earned a penalty after William Saliba fouled Leroy Sane, leading to Kane calmly converting the spot kick while Raya dived the wrong way. Van der Vaart lambasted Raya for committing too early, questioning his suitability as a goalkeeper.
Speaking on Dutch TV, Van der Vaart remarked, “Take a look at Raya. Is this guy even a goalkeeper? Kane doesn’t even make a movement, but Raya just falls to the ground already.”
Raya had saved two penalties in the previous month’s shootout against Porto, which Arsenal won to advance to the Champions League quarter-finals against Bayern. Kane admitted to studying footage from that game to understand Raya’s tendencies and successfully wrong-foot him.
Responding to TNT Sports presenter Laura Woods’ comment that Kane “took the mic” with his penalty, Kane said. “I know there wasn’t just Bayern fans watching tonight. There was maybe a bit more pressure, but it’s always a tough game. I did a bit of research on his game against Porto, and he (Raya) gets to the corners early, so I had to probably change my style a little bit, but that is part of it, and it was nice to see him go early and make it easier for me.”
Raya also faced criticism for Bayern’s first goal, where he left his position poorly after Gabriel’s misplaced pass was intercepted, allowing Serge Gnabry to score after being set up by Leon Goretzka.
“I would be questioning Raya,” commented former Manchester United defender and TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand on the goal. “Why are you out there in no man’s land? It’s a bad pass from Gabriel, but it’s about Bayern here. The weight of the pass and the run, the timing could not have been more perfect. Here, you see Raya, why are you there? The defender has it under supreme control, and then it’s a misplaced pass, but they capitalize on that. The transition here, the counter-attack, they can’t react. That weight of that pass running at full pace cannot be underestimated from Goretzka.”
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