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Ian Wright admits he’s changed his mind about £30m Arsenal player after Tottenham game
Ian Wright TV football pundit before the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Wigan Athletic and Manchester United at DW Stadium on January 8,...
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images

Ian Wright has admitted he feels ‘differently’ about one Arsenal player after yesterday’s North London Derby.

Arsenal picked up a crucial 3-2 win at Tottenham on Sunday after a second-half scare.

Mikel Arteta’s side appeared to be cruising to a comfortable victory after netting three times in the first half. But following a mistake from David Raya, Spurs threatened to derail their north London rivals’ title hopes.

The Spanish goalkeeper gifted the ball to Cristian Romero in the 64th minute and the Spurs man punished his mistake.

Raya was then beaten from the penalty spot 20 minutes later after Declan Rice took out Ben Davies in the box.

Arsenal managed to hold on to a vital victory but Raya’s error undoubtedly handed Spurs a lifeline.

David Raya of Arsenal celebrates during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 28,...
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images

Wright changes mind on David Raya

Following his error in yesterday’s North London Derby, Wright reflected on Raya’s overall performance.

Despite the lapse in concentration, the Arsenal legend feels the £30 million man recovered well after the setback.

“Can I just say on Raya’s behalf and credit to him, he was magnificent after that,” Wright said. “That made me feel differently. He was brilliant after that.

“I was thinking Bayern Munich, a big game, he made me jittery and made a mistake. Same with this game, he made a mistake. But in both of those games, I would probably say this game more, his character came through.

“Did you see the hug Mikel gave him afterwards and the little chat? That says to me that he is probably giving that because he rectified it. Everything that went in that box he came to get it and took it.”

Ian Wright looks on prior to the Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Coventry City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on April 21, 2024 ...
Photo by Michael Regan – The FA/The FA via Getty Images

Raya’s display vs Tottenham

There’s no getting away from the fact that Raya handed Spurs the opportunity to set up a nervy finale.

But following his misplaced pass, Raya certainly stood up to the task between the sticks.

With Tottenham piling on the pressure in search of an equaliser, Raya became more proactive by coming off his line to claim several crosses.

Indeed, according to Sofascore, he claimed three deliveries into the box during the game.

The 28-year-old has impressed since replacing Aaron Ramsdale and Arteta was keen to celebrate alongside Raya after the full-time whistle yesterday.

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