‘Arteta blaming referees to cover for flops Havertz and Raya’

Carlo Garganese

8 Nov 2023 07:04 CST
3 min read

Mikael Arteta, Arsenal, 2023/24 — © ProShots

Craig Burley believes that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is blaming referees to cover up the poor performances of new signings Kai Havertz and David Raya.

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Arsenal spent heavily this past summer, splashing out €235 million on new players in an attempt to strengthen a title challenge that fell just short last season.

Two of the biggest signings were Kai Havertz from Chelsea for €75m and David Raya from Brentford on an initial €4m loan deal that could become permanent for another €31m.

However, both Havertz and Raya have struggled so far.

Havertz has lost his place in the starting XI after scoring just one goal (a penalty) and getting one assist in 17 games.

Raya, meanwhile, has not justified, usurping Aaron Ramsdale as Arsenal’s number one goalkeeper and has made a string of mistakes.

Burley believes that Arteta’s recent complaints about referees - in which he branded Newcastle's winner against his side on Saturday "embarrassing" and a "disgrace" - are being used to cover up how bad Havertz and Raya have been.

© ProShots - Havertz has struggled for Arsenal

What did Burley say?

“Raya and Havertz have helped strengthen Arsenal’s squad,” Burley said on ESPN.

“But these two players have made the Arsenal starting XI weaker. Declan Rice has made it stronger, but these two have weakened their positions. And one of them is £70m.

“So Arteta has pigeon-holed himself in a position. He has already made a decision with Havertz. Okay he played at the weekend because he didn’t have many other choices but we know he has been dropped. And now he has to make a decision [about dropping] Raya.

“He has weakened the starting XI by trying to overthink things.

“We are talking about (and blaming) VAR but once again for Newcastle’s goal, his keeper (Raya) was flapping at crosses.”

Arsenal lost 1-0 at Newcastle on Saturday and haven fallen to fourth place in the Premier League table.

The Gunners are only three points behind leaders Man City but haven’t been as impressive in terms of performance this season as they were last term.