Heinze, who played for Man United, joined the coaching staff at the Emirates Stadium this summer.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Arsenal goalkeeper, David Raya, has credited the success of the English Premier League (EPL) leaders this season to former Manchester United defender, Gabriel Heinze.
The shot-stopper made this known over the weekend following the Gunners’ impressive 2-0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor.
Heinze joined the coaching staff at the Emirates Stadium during the summer. Since then, Arsenal have recorded just one defeat and one draw, narrowly losing to Liverpool at Anfield and coming back from behind to draw against Manchester City in the early stages.
Mikel Arteta’s men have been superb after that blip, winning four Premier League matches on the bounce.
The north London club has conceded just three goals in their 10 league matches, and is yet to let in a goal on target in recent encounters. Consequently, they now sit at the top of the division following recent setbacks witnessed by the Reds and City.
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Speaking on the team’s enviable feat, Raya praised Heinze, who won the top-flight league with Manchester United. According to him, the attitude of the Argentine tactician has been a welcome addition.
“He [Heinze] is a guy, he’s a coach, where he wants us to fight – a lot of intensity,” Raya said. He added, “To win games, you have to defend very well, especially in this league. This is the toughest league in the world.”
“You have to be very, very, very solid to be able to win games. Normally, the games are won by one goal.”
“So, it’s really, really important to keep that asset from us, from everyone. Not just the back line, just every single player. So, it’s a lot of credit to him as well.”
Arsenal, who are now six points clear at the summit of the EPL, will on Tuesday take a trip to the Fortuna Arena to face Slavia Prague in a UEFA Champions League (UCL) group game.
