After Arsenal’s tight 1-0 triumph over Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium, the spotlight naturally fell on goalkeeper David Raya, whose critical saves ensured the Gunners walked away with all three points.
However, in a move that surprised many, Raya declined the Man of the Match honor, choosing instead to hand it over to fellow teammate Ben White, whom he credited as the true hero of the day.
Speaking after the match, Raya was clear about his reasoning.
“I’ve handed the Man of the Match award to him because he’s the one who truly earned it, not me.
He genuinely saved us from embarrassment today,” he said in a candid post-match interview.
Despite his own standout performance in goal, Raya emphasized that White’s impact was far more crucial in maintaining the result.
Ben White entered the fray in the second half, stepping in for William Saliba, who had to be substituted due to injury.
From the moment he came on, White put in a rock-solid performance.
His ability to read the game, make timely tackles, and block key chances proved vital in stifling Newcastle’s advances.
As Newcastle pushed harder in search of an equalizer, White’s composure and defensive intelligence became a cornerstone of Arsenal’s resistance.
The only goal of the match came from Declan Rice early in the second half, a moment that certainly contributed to the final scoreline.
Yet while Rice’s effort was crucial in giving Arsenal the lead, it was the team’s defensive discipline that ultimately sealed the victory.
White’s timely interventions and leadership at the back were particularly noted during the closing stages, when Newcastle threw everything forward in an attempt to rescue a point.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta also touched on the importance of a strong defensive unit during his post-match remarks.
He praised the team’s overall resilience and their ability to adapt to sudden changes, such as Saliba’s early departure.
Arteta highlighted that matches of such magnitude often come down to the ability to stay focused and organized under pressure — something Arsenal demonstrated well, thanks in no small part to White’s efforts.
Raya’s selfless gesture is a testament to the unity within the Arsenal camp.
It also reflects a culture of mutual appreciation and recognition among the players, who are clearly focused on collective success rather than individual accolades.
As Arsenal continue their pursuit of Premier League glory, moments like these underline the team’s growing maturity and strong sense of camaraderie.
