RAYA’S ROLE IS STILL KEY

DAVID RAYA may not have needed to make a save against Everton but do not let that fool you into thinking his cleansheet was any less worthy than Jordan Pickford’s.

The Arsenal stopper appeared to be upset at being asked if, on such a quiet afternoon, he was able to instruct the players in front of him on how to break down the Toffees. Instead he took the opportunity to explain he was anything but a passenger, as he played his part in Arsenal having 77 per cent possession and limiting the Toffees’ set-piece opportunities.

Raya said: “You say I had nothing to do but I thought I played really well in that aspect. Maybe not in making saves but trying to help the team, stopping the ball from going behind, managing possession regains and all that stuff. That stuff is just part of the game.’’