David Raya urges Arsenal to banish fear in Premier League title race
David Raya has urged his Arsenal team-mates to play without fear as they attempt to end a 22-year wait for the Premier League title.
The Gunners remain in contention for an unprecedented quadruple and could extend their lead over Manchester City to seven points with a win at Wolves on Wednesday.
Mikel Arteta’s side have finished as runners-up in the past two campaigns.
However, their first-choice goalkeeper believes psychological resilience and enjoyment will be the deciding factors during the run-in.
Embracing the pressure
Raya, who joined the club permanently following a successful loan spell from Brentford, insists the squad must embrace the high stakes.
“Confidence and enjoyment are the most important thing in this sport,” Raya told Sky Sports.
“Being confident is the most important thing to be a footballer.”
The Spain international emphasised that anxiety on the pitch would only hinder their performance levels.
“You have to be confident, and you have to enjoy it because if you don’t, you’re not going to be yourself,” he said.
“You’re not going to be able to help the team. Confidence is going to be key for us.”
“Everyone needs to be confident to know what they’re doing, and the main thing is to enjoy the process.”
Focusing on the present
With Arsenal fighting for silverware on four fronts, including a recent progression to the FA Cup fifth round, the fixture list is congested.
The 30-year-old stopper has warned against looking too far ahead at potential trophy lifts.
“Everything is open,” Raya added.
“We cannot think too much about it. We just have to focus on ourselves and go day by day, training session by training session and game by game.”
“If you think too far ahead, you’re not going to see it. So, just go in the present.”
A united dressing room
Raya believes the culture established by Arteta in north London has created a unique bond among the players.
He suggests this unity will be vital as they approach the business end of the season.
“The whole squad is bonded together,” he said.
“We are literally like friends and team-mates at the same time.”
“It makes it so easy for everyone and for everything in life, not just on football.”