Mikel Arteta hailed for ‘pretty sensational’ thing he’s done with David Raya after Arsenal’s win

Pundit Chris Sutton has pinpointed one area of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal success as the Gunners beat Tottenham.

For the third season in a row, Arsenal emerged victorious at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, getting the better of their North London rivals away from home.

A 64th minute goal courtesy of Gabriel Magalhaes was enough to steer Arteta’s side to the win, with the visitors exercising a tactical masterclass against the hosts.

There were plenty of positives to take from the statement derby win, with a lot to be said about Arsenal’s defensive stability.

Chris Sutton praises Mikel Arteta’s protection of David Raya after the North London derby

It wasn’t the high-paced end-to-end North London derby we are accustomed to; however, it was a fixture that was controlled by Arteta’s tactical plan.

The Spaniard’s ability to lure Spurs under his spell and play to Arsenal’s strengths was admirable, with the Gunners’ defensive stability something to behold.

Speaking in reaction to the game on the It’s All Kicking Off podcast, pundit Chris Sutton was full of praise for how well Arteta’s side worked at the back, emphasising the lack of work David Raya had to do in the second half.

“I don’t think David Raya had a significant save to make, everything was very very comfortable. The way they protect the goalkeeper is pretty sensational.”

There is a reason that Arsenal have only conceded three goals on the road in the Premier League in over nine months, with the back four protecting Raya at all costs.

Raya has been huge for Arsenal in 2024/25

What is also helpful is that behind the back four is a very capable set of hands, with Raya’s individual form growing this season.

The Spaniard made two crucial saves early into the fixture against Spurs to keep the hosts at bay, with the pressure taken off him as Arsenal settled into the game.

As Tottenham unleashed a wave of attacks on the Gunners in the first half, Arteta’s attention shifted to protecting Raya, resulting in the visitors cracking down on the chances they let Ange Postecoglou’s side have.

The game was won as a result of Arsenal’s defensive strength, with another clean sheet earned for Raya thanks to the goalkeeper’s attention early on.

It’s been a strong start to the campaign for the Euro 2024 winner, who is proving just why Arteta signed him from Brentford.