Manchester City icon, Joe Hart, has said that David Raya, Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke have addressed the skepticism that surrounded their signings by Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta.
He believes these players have contributed to the club’s success, commending Arsenal’s astute transfer dealings following the club’s title victory.
He highlighted that David Raya, Kai Havertz, and Noni Madueke are players who have risen to the occasion and silenced their critics.
Arsenal erased the memories of three consecutive second-place finishes to be crowned champions with a match to spare, as Manchester City was held to a draw away at Bournemouth on Tuesday night.
There were exuberant celebrations as Arsenal fans flocked to the Emirates in large numbers to revel in the club’s first league title in 22 years.
Eyebrows were raised when Arsenal acquired Raya from Brentford in 2023, yet the Spaniard has proven himself to be arguably the most well-rounded goalkeeper in English football over the past three seasons.
He said on BBC’s Match of the Day program, “There were very, very few individuals who said, ‘Yes, I believe that [Raya] is an excellent signing’, there has always been some doubt.
“Consider the goal scored by Kai Havertz the other night and the significance of his contribution, along with Madueke, who was also brought in from Chelsea.
“It has been a series of question marks, and each one of them has risen to the occasion, especially this season.
“The journey has not been straightforward; they have faced injuries, defensive weaknesses, and various challenges.
“The margin is incredibly thin in the Premier League; we have witnessed many individuals go the opposite route, being dismissed and leaving the club, yet here we are, Premier League champions, which is a remarkable accomplishment.”