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Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw by Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, with David Seaman suggesting David Raya was at fault for the Black Cats' late equaliser
Arsenal icon David Seaman has suggested that David Raya had to take some responsibility for Sunderland's last-gasp equaliser at the Stadium of Light. The Gunners thought they were on the way to a priceless win in the North East after goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had flipped the game on its head.
Former Arsenal academy graduate Dan Ballard had opened the scoring for the Black Cats. But the hosts were not to be denied as Brian Brobbey netted an acrobatic, injury-time leveller.
In analysing the game, Gunners legend Seaman suggested that Raya was culpable. Speaking on Premier League Productions, he said: "Whether Raya should come, I'd question that. And the way he comes for the ball, he tries to catch it, is he aware of the guy [Brobbey] getting close?
"It's a great finish by Brobbey but I would just question the decision of Raya, whether he should come and try to punch it, rather than try to catch it."
Raya's lapse in concentration was somewhat unexpected given the form he has displayed over recent seasons at Arsenal. The Spaniard has developed into one of the Premier League's standout goalkeepers and has been a huge reason behind the Gunners' impressive defensive record so far this season.
Raya has made 111 appearances for the Gunners since his move from Brentford and kept 50 clean sheets.
While Arsenal's draw with Sunderland saw them extend their lead at the top of the table to six points, that could potentially be reduced on Sunday as Liverpool and Manchester City face off. Seaman has, however, suggested a draw against Sunderland was not the end of the world given the circumstances.
"This was a difficult game, especially when you looked at it first half," he added. "It looked difficult, Sunderland were well-organised, and they knew exactly what they needed to do with Arsenal – hit it long, play in Arsenal's half rather than play it out from the back.
"When they did play out from the back it cost them a goal. But Arsenal... they're in a good position because this was a big test."
Arsenal now face a break from domestic action over the next couple of weeks due to the November international fixtures. They return to action against Tottenham on November 23.
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