“Outpacing a forward is wild” – Fans react as David Raya goes on BIZARRE run into midfield in 1-0 loss to West Ham United

Arsenal keeper David Raya's brilliant run towards the half-way line outpaced West Ham's player to the ball.

“Outpacing a forward is wild” – Fans react as David Raya goes on BIZARRE run into midfield in 1-0 loss to West Ham United

Arsenal keeper David Raya made a blistering run towards the half-way line, chasing the ball, while outpacing West Ham's James Ward-Prowse (via X)

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya‘s last-minute heroics in the English Premier League left fans awestruck. This happened when the Spaniard outpaced a West Ham United player while chasing the ball towards his own half. The incident occurred during Arsenal’s disappointing recent 1-0 defeat to West Ham.

The Gunners received a major setback in their race to the EPL title, as they lost at home for the first time this season. Arsenal lost 1-0 to city-rivals West Ham, a side against whom they had scored 11 goals in their last two clashes. Jarrod Bowen scored the only goal of the match just before half-time. The defeat leaves the Gunners’ eight points behind leaders Liverpool.

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Interestingly, a last-ditch effort by Arsenal keeper David Raya caught the internet by storm. The 29-year-old ran towards the West Ham goal in the 98th minute. He attempted to help his side score from a corner, but it failed to get past the Hammers’ defense. The ball was immediately cleared off by the visitors, who began a counter-attack to score a second goal past an empty Arsenal half.

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While West Ham’s Mohamed Kudus sent the ball forward towards James Ward-Prowse, David Raya made a brilliant run towards the ball. He surprisingly outpaced the Englishman to take control of the ball in the midfield. Raya then dribbled it past him and passed the ball to Martin Odegaard, averting the oncoming danger. However, his effort was in vain, as the Gunners went on to lose the match.

Nonetheless, the defeat leaves a bitter feeling in Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta‘s mind. The manager had previously admitted that he is obsessed with winning the EPL title. The club’s injury crisis and lack of attacking options were also on display against West Ham.

Fans praise David Raya for his last-gasp heroics, during Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to West Ham

Football fans and social media users praised David Raya, after the Arsenal goalkeeper made a superb run from the West Ham box to the half-way line. Raya outpaced West Ham midfielder James Ward-Prowse to claim the ball.

David Raya praised by Arsenal fans
Arsenal keeper David Raya was praised by fans for his last-minute heroics against West Ham United, in a 1-0 defeat (via X)

Fans labelled the 29-year-old’s heroics as ‘wild.’ Some fans went on to claim that Raya is the only player making an effort in the Arsenal line-up. Some others commended Raya’s brilliant ‘Cruyff turn’, while taking control of the ball. A few others pointed to the fact that the Spaniard could get injured, if he makes runs as such in the upcoming matches.

Meanwhile, David Raya had a rather poor outing throughout the match. He had contributed to Arsenal full-back Myles-Lewis Skelly‘s 72nd minute red card. Raya was way off his line, which forced Lewis-Skelly to make a challenge on Mohamed Kudus. Nevertheless, that one moment of run into the midfield received plaudits for the Arsenal star.