Rafael van der Vaart has slammed Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya (Image: Getty Images)
Following their 2-2 Champions League draw with Bayern Munich, Rafael van der Vaart questioned Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya’s attempt to save a Harry Kane penalty.
Rafael van der Vaart, a former player for Tottenham, has criticized David Raya for trying to stop Harry Kane’s penalty during Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich.
After William Saliba brought down Leroy Sane, Bayern were awarded a spot kick, which Kane coolly converted while sending Raya the wrong way. Van der Vaart also criticized Raya for committing early, even though Kane received a lot of praise for his strong finish.
Van der Vaart said, speaking on Dutch TV: “Look at Raya. Is this man a goalie at all?Raya just collapses to the ground while Kane remains motionless.”
In order to set up Arsenal’s Champions League quarterfinal matchup against Bayern, Raya saved two penalties last month as Arsenal defeated Porto in a penalty shootout. Kane later disclosed that he had watched the game film to figure out how to fool the Spaniard.
Upon being asked if he “took the mic” with his finish by TNT Sports host Laura Woods, Kane answered, “I know there wasn’t just Bayern fans watching tonight.” It’s always a difficult game, but there may have been a little extra pressure.
“I did a bit of research on his game against Porto and he (Raya) gets to the corners early so I had to probably change my style a little bit, but that is part of it and it was nice to see him go early and make it easier for me.”
Raya was also criticized for Bayern’s opening goal, which saw Serge Gnabry score after Leon Goretzka set him up, with the goalkeeper sprinting out into “no man’s land” following a poor pass from Gabriel.
Harry Kane sent Raya the wrong way from the penalty spot ( Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
“I would be questioning Raya,” Rio Ferdinand, a former Manchester United defender and TNT Sports pundit, said regarding the score. “Why are you in the middle of nowhere?
“Gabriel made a poor pass, but this is all about Bayern. The timing, the weight of the pass, and the run were all flawless. Raya, why are you there? You can see her here.
“The defender is in complete control of the ball, but they take advantage of the misplaced pass. They are unable to respond to this shift or the counterattack. The significance of Goretzka’s pass run at full speed cannot be understated.”
