In the seventh round of the Premier League, Arsenal defeated Nottingham Forest 1-0 away. After the match, Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya spoke with the Premier League's production company via video link, discussing the team's title aspirations, squad depth, his personal form, and his ball-playing ability.
Host: David, thank you very much for joining us. In the studio, we have your biggest fans, Martin Keown and Owen Hargreaves. You got the job done today, didn't you? Three points, which moves you up to second in the table, just three points behind Manchester City. What are your thoughts on that?
Raya: Yes, that's the most crucial thing. We ultimately won the game and got the job done. We know there's a lot we still need to improve on, but at the end of the day, getting all three points is the most important thing.
Host: David, we were just discussing this in the studio. What are your thoughts on being the defending champions? Has your mindset changed when visiting various away stadiums now, or when other teams come to challenge you at the Emirates, compared to before?
Raya: We certainly know we were champions, but that was last season. We are just as eager to win the title this year, so we have to be fully focused and fight in every stadium, doing our best to win the games. Especially coming here, I think this is only our second win in six years at this stadium. We know how tough it is to come here, so it feels great to finally leave with a victory.
Host: David, your squad depth is also very strong, isn't it? Reiss Nelson came off the bench and scored the crucial goal with ten minutes left. This has become a norm for the team, and it's a fantastic quality for you, isn't it?
Raya: Yes, I think we've continued the good momentum from last season. The players who come off the bench also feel their importance because they know the impact they can have in these tight games. We've had this quality for a few years now, and we showed it again today. We have to keep this momentum going because it's really vital, and everyone in the squad needs to contribute.
Keown: David, as a goalkeeper, you are now 31 years old. Looking back at the valuable experience of winning the league title last season, do you feel you've reached the peak of your career now? Are we seeing the best of you, or can you still deliver more in the future?
Raya: I think I still have room to improve; there's always something we can get better at. Even though I'm 31, I still feel very young, so I hope I can continue to play at the highest level for many more years. Right now, I just need to focus on myself, keep doing what I need to do to help the team win games, and we'll see what the future holds. I feel very good physically and in terms of my current form.
Keown: David, sometimes when I see the ball moving so freely at your feet, I even wonder if you do non-goalkeeper passing and possession training every day? Because your ball-playing ability is good enough to play as a central midfielder for most top-league teams. Do you actually participate in the team's full passing and possession drills?
Raya: Of course, we participate whenever there's an opportunity. It's very important, especially with modern football philosophy, given our tactics and the high press and man-marking many opponents use against us. We have to be calm and composed on the ball. This is exactly what I love to do; I love this style of football. Of course, there are always technical details to improve in a game, and mistakes are inevitable, but this is what the coach demands from us. He asks us to take risks to break the press. So, whether it's controlling the ball at my feet or executing the team's playing style, I feel very comfortable.
Hargreaves: David, becoming a professional footballer and reaching this level is a long journey. You've accumulated a wealth of experience, and the Premier League has seen many incredible goalkeepers throughout its history. What is it like to be considered one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League right now?
Raya: (Laughs) Thank you very much; I appreciate the compliment. I just try to be the best version of myself every day, striving to be better than yesterday, and to perform at the highest level in stadiums like this and in matches. Most importantly, I enjoy my football. I think everyone can see that I enjoy every game, I enjoy stepping onto the field and showing what I can do, and that's the most important thing.
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