'He was excellent' - Mikel Arteta hails goalkeeper David Raya's 'big ones' despite jittery performance against Man City

Raya looked uncomfortable in possession from the beginning of the game as his passes often put Arsenal under pressure against the visiting Premier League champions. Despite his nervous moments, he managed a clean sheet as Gabriel Martinelli went on to fire the Gunners to a 1-0 victory with a late strike.

Raya headed into the game days after a mistake in his team's defeat to Lens in the Champions League in midweek and the latest worrying performance will likely revive the debate surrounding Arsenal's goalkeepers.

Arteta has favoured Raya over Aaron Ramsdale this season because of his ability on the ball and has been questioned on it several times by the media, to his apparent frustration.

The coach was in no mood to criticise the shot-stopper after their vital win against Pep Guardiola's side - Arteta's first over his former mentor in the Premier League.

"I think he was excellent," Arteta said to Sky Sports. "The way he controlled the ball. How dominant the was and how high he played. I love players with courage and David certainly has big ones."

Going by the manager's comments, Raya will likely keep his place between the posts when Arsenal return from the international period to face Chelsea on October 22.