Arteta Says David Raya Has Taken Arsenal to Another Level
Mikel Arteta has hailed David Raya as a “tremendous” Arsenal signing and said the goalkeeper has lifted the champions to another level ahead of Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Brighton.
Arteta underlines Raya’s value
Raya joined Arsenal from Brentford in 2023 and has become a central figure in Arteta’s side. The Spain international has made 153 appearances for the Gunners, recording 72 clean sheets across Europe’s five major leagues.
His authority in goal was a major factor in Arsenal winning last season’s Premier League, while he also claimed a third straight Golden Glove award.
Arteta would not place Raya above every other deal made during his reign, but made clear how highly he rates the 31-year-old.
“I cannot say if he is the best signing because that is opinion,” Arteta said. “But there is no doubt he has been excellent. We are delighted he is here. He has taken the team to a new standard and we now need to keep it there.”
Early pressure shaped Arsenal’s No 1
Arteta pointed to Raya’s resilience as much as his technical ability when explaining his rise at the club. The goalkeeper faced intense scrutiny during his early Arsenal months, particularly as he displaced Aaron Ramsdale, but has emerged as one of the division’s leading keepers.
- Raya has played 153 times for Arsenal since arriving in 2023.
- He has registered 72 clean sheets across the top five European leagues.
- He made a penalty stop against Enzo Le Fee in his latest key intervention.
- Only Caoimhin Kelleher has saved more penalties in all competitions among Premier League goalkeepers since 2023-24, excluding shoot-outs.
“It is his mentality,” Arteta said. “David has huge quality, but he has dealt with many difficult moments and challenges to get here. The start was not straightforward; he had to fight and show what he could do. He deserves to be regarded among the best now.”
Raya’s numbers since 2023-24
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Penalty saves in all competitions, excluding shoot-outs | Second among Premier League goalkeepers; Kelleher leads with five |
| Shots saved | 72.3% |
| Golden Glove awards | Three in succession |
Raya’s 72.3 per cent save rate from shots faced since the beginning of the 2023-24 campaign further illustrates his importance to Arsenal’s defensive strength.
What happens next
Arsenal take their perfect start to the new season into Saturday’s home game against Brighton, their final fixture before the extended international break.
The Gunners have won four of their past six league encounters with the Seagulls, drawing the other two. That equals their victory total from the first 12 Premier League meetings between the clubs, a run in which Arsenal drew three and lost five.
