Jamie Carragher Criticizes David Raya’s Risky Passing in Arsenal’s Victory

Jamie Carragher voiced frustration over a growing Premier League trend during Arsenal’s 5-1 triumph over Crystal Palace, singling out goalkeeper David Raya for his risky passing choices. Modern goalkeepers are increasingly expected to contribute to build-up play, but Carragher warned that the associated dangers often outweigh the benefits.

In his Sky Sports analysis, Carragher highlighted a moment when Raya’s straight pass to Thomas Partey invited pressure from Crystal Palace. “This is the worst kind of passing football for a goalkeeper,” Carragher stated. “Straight passes are asking for trouble. Goalkeepers need to focus on playing the ball wide to avoid conceding unnecessary goals.”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged post-match that some defensive sequences, including Raya’s positioning, were concerning. “They pressed aggressively, and we didn’t adapt quickly enough,” Arteta admitted. “David ended up playing too close to goal, which is risky against a team like this. Once Rice came on, we had more control and reduced the pressure.”

Despite conceding two big chances, Arteta emphasized the importance of balance. “I prefer dominating in the right areas and limiting opportunities for the opposition. Over four games, we’ve conceded almost nothing. Winning helps ease concerns, but we must aim for perfection.”

While Arsenal celebrated a commanding win, Carragher’s critique highlights the challenges of blending traditional goalkeeping with modern tactics.