Seaman criticizes Raya after 90+4 goal, Arsenal draw 2-2
David Seaman believes David Raya was indecisive in the high ball that led to Sunderland's 2-2 equalizer at the Stadium of Light, and recommends punching the ball safely.
In the 90+4 minute, when Arsenal were leading 2-1 and only a few beats away from sealing victory, a high ball changed everything. Dan Ballard jumped high to make a tactical header, allowing Brian Brobbey to lean down and finish past David Raya, sealing the score at 2-2 for Sunderland. Immediately after the match, David Seaman pointed out the key point: the Arsenal goalkeeper's indecision in this situation.
90+4 equalizer and David Seaman's perspective
Speaking to Premier League Productions, the former Arsenal goalkeeper spoke candidly about Raya’s decision: “I wondered whether Raya should have come out to catch the ball. It seemed like he wasn’t aware of Brobbey’s presence. In that situation, it might have been safer to punch the ball out than try to catch it.”
Seaman stressed the importance of principle at the decisive moment: “It was an indecisive move. Remember, in decisive moments, choosing a simple but sure solution is of utmost importance.”
Situational analysis: when the ball is high, it requires a one-step decision.
From the description, this is a typical scenario of a late-game high ball, when the density of players in the penalty area is high and the contested distance is short. In this type of ball, the goalkeeper has two clear options: to rush out to catch it if the landing spot is clear and unobstructed, or to proactively punch the ball out of the danger zone if he feels pressure at close range.
Seaman’s recommendation boils down to a principle of risk management: when the ball is not fully read and the potential collision is not fully understood, punching the ball back into the defensive structure and preventing the second ball from being played. A moment’s hesitation can leave the goalkeeper half a step behind – too late to catch it, but not strong enough to block it.
Key developments: Arsenal rose up and then dropped 2 points
Arsenal got off to a shaky start when Dan Ballard opened the scoring for Sunderland in the first half. Mikel Arteta's side responded strongly after the break, with Bukayo Saka equalising before Leandro Trossard's fine long-range strike put Arsenal 2-1 up. But the advantage was not maintained until the end of injury time, when Brobbey headed home Ballard's high ball to make it 2-2.
Impact on the race: warnings for defense and goalkeeper position
The draw halted Arsenal's winning streak, but the team still holds a six-point lead over Chelsea at the top of the Premier League. That gap could be narrowed if Man City and Liverpool win this round.
On a personal level, the result raises further questions about the consistency of David Raya – who is trusted by coach Mikel Arteta. With the race for the top of the table requiring a low margin of error, such late-game moves can directly affect confidence and selection in goal, if not corrected immediately.
Bottom line
- Late high balls require a split-second decision: either go for it decisively or play it safe.
- David Seaman's criticism was aimed at Raya's indecisiveness at a crucial moment.
- Arsenal dropped the win after leading 2-1 after goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard.
- The 2-2 result kept Arsenal at the top but opened up the possibility of the gap being narrowed.
