David Raya has addressed Mikel Arteta’s choice to bench him for two major cup exits, insisting he respects the manager’s preference for Kepa Arrizabalaga despite the team’s recent defensive struggles.
David Raya has spoken out following Arsenal’s devastating back-to-back cup defeats. The Spain international was omitted from the starting lineup for both the Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City and the shock FA Cup exit at Southampton.
Reflecting on Arteta’s reliance on Kepa Arrizabalaga, Raya remained philosophical, stating: “It’s part of football.
Sometimes you get picked, sometimes you don’t. You have to be there for your teammates.”
The decisions have sparked debate after Kepa’s high-profile error gifted City the lead at Wembley. However, Raya is set to return for tonight’s Champions League quarter-final against Sporting CP as the Gunners look to regain momentum.
Maintaining a professional stance, he added: “The boss decides who plays and who doesn’t and we are used to those types of decisions.” Arsenal now focus on securing a vital European result.