“I’ve handed the Man of the Match award to him because he’s the one who truly earned it, not me. He genuinely saved us from embarrassment today,” David Raya reveals the ONE Arsenal player he believes deserved the Man of the Match honor — and it’s neither Declan Rice nor Trossard

In a surprising turn of events following Arsenal’s narrow 1-0 victory over Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium, goalkeeper David Raya chose to pass the Man of the Match award to teammate Ben White. Despite Raya’s own stellar performance, including several crucial saves that preserved the clean sheet, he insisted that White’s contribution was pivotal in securing the win.

“I’ve handed the Man of the Match award to him because he’s the one who truly earned it, not me. He genuinely saved us from embarrassment today,” Raya stated during the post-match press conference.

White, who entered the match as a substitute at halftime due to William Saliba’s injury, delivered a commanding defensive display. His alertness and resilience were instrumental in thwarting Newcastle’s persistent attacks, especially during the latter stages of the game .

The match itself was a tense affair, with Declan Rice scoring the decisive goal early in the second half. While Rice’s contribution was significant, it was the defensive solidity provided by players like White that ensured Arsenal maintained their lead .

Manager Mikel Arteta also acknowledged the team’s defensive efforts, highlighting the importance of adaptability and resilience in such high-stakes matches .

Raya’s gesture underscores the camaraderie and mutual respect within the Arsenal squad, as they continue to strive for excellence in the Premier League.