“He is an absolute buffoon”, “This is untenable” – Fans hit out at Arsenal player for disgraceful performance in 1-0 loss to Newcastle
Arsenal’s impeccable season hit a snag when they suffered a 1-0 loss against Newcastle United at St James Park on Saturday. This defeat prompted fans to vent their frustration at goalkeeper David Raya, whose mistake led to the only goal scored.
The Gunners had displayed impressive resilience by holding their own against strong teams like Tottenham, Chelsea, and Manchester City, securing wins or draws. However, their encounter with a confident Newcastle side proved different.
The match at St James Park was evenly contested, with both teams making significant efforts but failing to break the deadlock until the 64th minute.
In a pivotal moment, Anthony Gordon’s shot found the net due to an error in David Raya’s judgment when dealing with a cross. The goal was mired in controversy, as there were suspicions of a possible foul leading up to it, leading to a prolonged VAR assessment. Nonetheless, referee Stuart Attwell sided with Newcastle, and Arsenal couldn’t equalize in the remaining moments of the game.
Despite Raya’s crucial defensive interventions throughout the match, his one misjudgment proved decisive in the scoreline.
Fans expressed their dissatisfaction with Raya’s performance on social media platforms, highlighting his error amidst acknowledgment of his other crucial contributions to Arsenal’s defense.
One fan said:
“He is an absolute buffoon.”
Another warned:
“This is untenable.”
Here is a selection of their tweets:
Considering commanding his area is one of his strongest ability.. Shouldn't Raya have done better on that goal though?
— Santi™ (@ThePeakSanti) November 4, 2023
Raya is still a disgrace for that even with the injustice. You have nothing else of note to do. Twice crosses come in and you fail to deal with it and now it’s costs us. This is untenable. You can’t win with a 5’11 keeper
— oluok (@oluok1) November 4, 2023
Raya is lucky that the goal was marred in controversy because he is an absolute buffoon 😭😭😭😭😭😭
— Marrotti (@AliquamScripto) November 4, 2023
Ref decision aside, Raya’s height is a concern, why did he get caught under that cross pls??
— Abdallah (@Abdull_tjay) November 4, 2023
David Raya please go..#NEWARS pic.twitter.com/iidzbB8GAT
— Noel McG (@noelmickedy) November 4, 2023
Arsenal replacing Ramsdale with Raya pic.twitter.com/vinFvFFlhy
— Shady (@FodenPrime) November 4, 2023
Thank god raya is just a loan
— . (@clampzinoooo) November 4, 2023
Let’s not ignore the fact that, once again, Raya was culpable for the goal. He’s been a calamity since he was put in goal. At this point, it can only be favouritism for playing him ahead of Ramsdale who did absolutely nothing to warrant being dropped.
— Kraig (@___Kraig___) November 4, 2023
David raya when he is asked to make a save pic.twitter.com/bTm3Y0ZEDc
— adnan (@MCFC_adnan) November 4, 2023
After Arsenal’s unexpected 1-0 loss to Newcastle United, manager Mikel Arteta didn’t mince words regarding VAR. He criticized Anthony Gordon’s decisive goal as an “absolute disgrace,” considering it a stain on the Premier League’s reputation.
The goal, which came after a tense VAR review led by overseer Andy Madley, stood, securing Newcastle’s win and serving as Arsenal’s first defeat in the Premier League this season.
Arteta’s evident frustration was apparent during a post-match press briefing, as reported by ESPN, where he expressed: “It’s incredible we have to talk about the result. We have to talk about how the hell this goal stands up. I feel embarrassed. It is an absolute disgrace this goal is allowed. It’s not a goal — for many reasons. For a goal to be allowed, there are certain things prior to that, there are things not allowed in football, here or China or Japan or Portugal.”
In the current season, the Premier League’s use of VAR has faced considerable backlash, as numerous controversial decisions have ignited widespread criticism throughout England’s top-tier football.
“He is an absolute buffoon”, “This is untenable” – Fans hit out at Arsenal player for disgraceful performance in 1-0 loss to Newcastle