David Raya makes claim as Arsenal risk criticism with repeated Liverpool antics | Football | Sport

David Raya says Arsenal will give the celebration police something to grumble about yet again if they beat Liverpool – just like last season.

The Gunners’ No. 1 believes his team should celebrate how they want, should they overcome their title rivals, who in his view have improved under Arne Slot since replacing Jurgen Klopp.

Ahead of the title showdown at the Emirates, Raya said: “Every win in the Premier League is important and I think we should celebrate every win the same.

“Of course, when we played them in the second half of last season, it was a massive three points for us and obviously that emotion for everybody to win against Liverpool is important and is also incredible.

“If we win on Sunday, it’s going to be the same emotions and same celebrations. They’re a top team. They’ve got a new manager and I think they’ve increased the level.

“They are very dangerous, they are going to come here for three points and we have to be ready for that.”

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard left Jamie Carragher angry last season when he was filmed borrowing the club photographer’s camera during the celebrations after the 3-1 victory over Liverpool.

Gary Neville also dubbed the Gunners’ post-game celebrations as “immature” after Arteta’s side narrowed the gap at the Premier League summit to just two points.

This time, Arsenal are trailing by four points to Slot’s early season leaders. And they are missing the suspended William Saliba and injured captain Odegaard, while Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori all have fitness concerns.

Raya stated: “Everyone knows how important Saliba is for us but we have got top players who can play in that position who will come into the game, be ready to challenge and to help us win the game.”

The Spanish goalkeeper also asserted that Arsenal cannot afford to to feel sorry for themselves after receiving a third red card in eight Premier League matches during last weekend’s 2-0 loss at Bournemouth.

Instead, the former Brentford shot-stopper insists the Gunners must address their discipline issues, adding: “We need to learn from our mistakes.

“Of course, we are not trying to get red cards, Declan [Rice] and Leo’s [Trossard] were a little bit silly but Saliba was just trying to do the right thing and in my opinion, it was a yellow.

“But each red card changed the contest completely in all three matches. It’s hard enough to win a game in the Premier League with 11 players, imagine it with 10 players in three games this season!.

“We just have to move forward, now is not the time to think about it. It happened and that’s it.”

The 29-year-old is also adamant that Arsenal cannot keep dropping sloppy points if they want to win the league this season, concluding: “Every game is a must-win, if you want to win things, you have to win every game.

“There are a lot of top teams in the Premier League now, not just Manchester City, Liverpool and us. Anybody can win the league.”