In a team chasing both the Premier League and Champions League titles, it is rare for a goalkeeper to be considered for player of the season. Yet that is exactly the situation at Arsenal with David Raya.
The Gunners have kept 18 clean sheets in 36 league matches this campaign, the highest tally in the Premier League. Following his performance against West Ham United on Sunday, Raya clinched the Golden Glove award for the third consecutive season. With three games remaining, no other shot-stopper in the division can surpass his total.
Raya has recorded 27 clean sheets across 49 appearances in all competitions this season. His teammates have labeled him the “best goalkeeper in the world” for his consistent excellence.
“He has been a massive help for us this season,” said match-winner Leandro Trossard. “You see his quality and the number of saves he makes, including different types. He deserves huge credit for keeping us in games.”
Manager Mikel Arteta echoed that sentiment. When asked whether Raya’s save to deny Mateus Fernandes in a one-on-one situation was his best of the season, Arteta pointed to the sheer volume of outstanding stops. “When you talk about magic moments, this is certainly one of the most needed moments as well to pull off that save—it was incredible,” Arteta said.
Raya now boasts the fourth-best goals-conceded-per-match ratio among goalkeepers with at least 100 Premier League appearances—0.79—trailing only Petr Cech (0.72), Edwin van der Sar (0.76), and Ederson (0.78).
With the individual accolade secured, Raya and Arsenal now turn their focus to bringing the Premier League trophy to north London.