David Raya Breaks Silence on Arsenal’s Current Big Problem that it is facing

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has weighed in on the team’s recent struggles to score goals from open play, suggesting that their lack of finishing in front of goal is not a matter of confidence but rather the nature of football itself.

Following Arsenal’s frustrating draw against Everton, questions have been raised about their ability to break down defensive setups, particularly when teams sit deep. Despite dominating possession and creating chances, the Gunners could not find a way through Everton’s resolute backline. Speaking to The Mirror, Raya offered a balanced perspective, dismissing the idea that the team’s issues stem from any mental barrier.

“I don’t think it is a confidence thing. It is just football. Sometimes you score from set pieces, sometimes you score from open play, and I think we are very dangerous from both,” Raya said. “In games like these, when teams sit back, it is harder to create those chances and create those goals.”

Raya’s comments highlight the challenges Arsenal face against opponents who adopt a defensive approach. Under Mikel Arteta, the team has become renowned for its possession-based style and intricate build-up play. However, in recent matches, they have struggled to find the decisive touch in the final third, particularly when their opponents defend in numbers.

In modern football, breaking down well-organized defenses has become one of the hardest tasks for attacking teams. Raya pointed out that while Arsenal did create chances, Everton’s discipline and compact shape made it difficult for the Gunners to find clear openings.

“We had those chances, but of course Everton defended very well, and they’re a good team in those situations. So we just have to focus on ourselves and keep going,” Raya added.

Everton’s performance mirrored the tactics that many teams have adopted against Arsenal this season — allowing them possession but limiting space in critical areas. While Arsenal’s set pieces remain a strong weapon, their struggles from open play have become a concern, particularly in tightly contested matches.

For Mikel Arteta, finding a solution to this problem is now a key focus. Arsenal’s attacking talent, including Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Ødegaard, has delivered in patches, but consistency in converting chances remains an issue.

The statistics underline the concern. Despite controlling games and registering high expected goals (xG) numbers, Arsenal have not always translated their dominance into results. Against Everton, they created several opportunities but were denied by strong defensive work and a lack of clinical finishing.

Raya’s comments, however, reflect a positive mindset within the squad. Rather than viewing the situation as a crisis, the goalkeeper emphasized the need for perseverance and belief in their process.

Arsenal fans will take comfort in the team’s continued ability to create chances, as this suggests the goals will eventually come. With a packed schedule ahead, including crucial fixtures in the Premier League and domestic competitions, the Gunners will aim to rediscover their cutting edge sooner rather than later.

For now, David Raya’s measured response offers a reminder that football often comes in cycles — and Arsenal will need to keep pushing to ensure the goals return from open play. The squad’s focus and mentality remain intact, and with their attacking talent, it feels like only a matter of time before the goals start flowing  again as in the past.