David Raya makes incredible blunder as Arsenal goalkeeper gifts Tottenham a lifeline in North London derby with ‘criminal’ mistake that is punished by Cristian Romero

The Spaniard last conceded away from home on January 30, when Taiwo Awoniyi scored in the last minute for Nottingham Forest.

An own goal from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who was heavily criticised before the game, was followed by a Bukayo Saka strike and a Kai Havertz goal to give Arsenal a comfortable 3-0 lead.

However, with Arsenal in cruise control, Raya gifted Spurs a lifeline as he passed the ball to Romero.

Romero, who had previously missed several chances from corners, was the second furthest player up as he pressed with Richarlison.

Cristian Romero made no mistake as the Argentinian capitalised on the mistake

The ball fell to the feet of the Argentinian, who made no mistake as he fired low past Raya to reduce the deficit.

Speaking on the mistake, Gary Neville said: ‘Oh, Raya, what are you doing?

‘And what the hell are you doing, Romero? He’s centre-back! There is an element of madness to Romero but it pays off. It’s one of Spurs’ best chances and he finishes it well.

‘David Raya, oh dear, left foot, trying to be clever. Three-nil up, don’t let them back in it. Now, there’s a fire coming his way.’

Taking to social media after the goal, fans couldn’t believe what they had seen from Raya.

‘That’s wild,’ one wrote.

‘Criminal from Raya!’ said another.

Another supporter slammed the Spaniard for the ‘unacceptable’ mistake as he wrote: ‘That’s a suicidal pass from Raya. 

‘I’m sorry, but that’s just unacceptable. It can easily shift the momentum of the game.’

This sentiment was shared by fellow Gunners, who criticised the goalkeeper heavily.

‘All the goals we concede are entirely of our own doing, that is so bad from Raya,’ wrote another. You cannot give them goals like that when you’re so on top. So complacent.’

A final fan questioned why Raya didn’t clear the ball instead of trying to play out from the back.

They said: ‘No need for Raya to play that. 

‘We’re 3-0 up away from home and comfortable. Now they have the crowd back behind them and the last 30 minutes become a lot more difficult. 

‘Absolutely brainless. Just hoof it.’

Speaking after the game, Arsenal legend Paul Merson added to the criticism of Raya.

He said: ‘Very nervous, all because of the goalkeeper, let’s be honest. 

‘Bad mistake and it just causes drama. There’s no need for it. 

‘Tottenham fans are leaving today thinking they could have got back in it. The only reason they got back in it is because of the goalie, simple as that. You’ve got to be alive every minute of the game for the run-in. 

‘Something like that and it could have gone all pear. It could have gone pear, three-all. Bad mistake by the goalkeeper, otherwise Arsenal were very good.’