Crystal Palace Expose Arsenal Goalkeeper David Raya’s Set-Piece Weakness in Riveting 2-2 Premier League Clash
Crystal Palace’s Game Plan: Testing David Raya’s Arsenal Defenses
Crystal Palace didn’t just show up for their Premier League match against Arsenal—they arrived with a detailed plan aimed right at the heart of their opponent’s defense. Manager Oliver Glasner let it slip after the 2-2 draw that his players drilled relentlessly all week to exploit Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya’s known hesitancy with set-pieces and crosses. That’s not vague manager talk—Glasner was refreshingly honest about how they mapped out situations where Raya struggles, especially under aerial pressure.
Fans watching could see Palace’s intention from the first whistle. Whenever Palace won corners or floated in a free-kick, they overloaded the six-yard box. Defenders and attackers mobbed Raya, forcing him into uncomfortable split-second decisions. It worked, too: both times Arsenal took the lead, Palace clawed their way back, exposing cracks in the Gunners’ ability to organize around their keeper. Tactical pundits pointed out how Palace packed the penalty area, refusing to let Arsenal settle into their usual passing rhythm.
Tactical Analysis and Team Spirit on Display
On TV, former Liverpool mainstay Jamie Carragher broke down the action, zooming in on Raya’s positioning when balls rained down from set pieces. Carragher highlighted moments where Raya’s footwork faltered, allowing Palace to threaten with headers and loose balls that ricocheted in the chaos. It wasn’t just one man on a bad night—Palace sniffed out this strategic vulnerability long before kickoff.
It wasn’t a one-man rescue job, though. Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta might have grabbed the headlines with his brace, but Glasner kept steering the spotlight back onto the collective. At key points, midfielders pressed hard to win high balls while wingers dropped deep to block Arsenal’s outlet routes. Glasner repeatedly praised his side’s “togetherness” and ability to go toe-to-toe with a top-four rival. The message in the dressing room was clear: everyone needed to read, react, and execute. The players did just that—sniffing out Arsenal’s weak points and pegging them back relentlessly.
Raya’s struggles are now open knowledge across the league, thanks to Palace’s fearless approach and Glasner’s tactical openness. Arsenal’s defensive line looked rattled every time Palace threatened from wide positions or peppered the box with crosses. On nights like this, strategy, not star power, makes all the difference. Palace showed they’ve got both grit and tactical brains, sending a warning to their next set of Premier League opponents—target the right chink in the armor, and even a heavyweight can wobble.