David Raya Reaches A New Level, Arteta Says Arsenal's Keeper Has Elevated Performance

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Mikel Arteta says Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya is performing at a new level as Arsenal chase silverware on four fronts this season. Arsenal aim to end a trophy wait stretching back to 2020, with Raya’s form viewed inside the club as central to their ambitions in domestic and European competitions.

The Spanish goalkeeper joined Arsenal permanently after an initial loan and has become first choice ahead of Aaron Ramsdale. Arteta regards Raya’s reliability as vital as Arsenal sit top of the Premier League and prepare to face Sunderland at Emirates Stadium on 7 February, seeking to strengthen their position.

Across 24 Premier League appearances this season, Raya has kept 12 clean sheets, more than any other goalkeeper in the division. Raya has conceded just 17 league goals, the best defensive record among goalkeepers who have started more than 10 matches, underlining Arsenal’s stability at the back during this campaign.

*Shared Golden Glove award

Raya’s consistency is not limited to the current season. In the previous Premier League campaign, Raya shared the Golden Glove award with Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels after both finished on 13 clean sheets. That record supported Arsenal’s title push last year and has carried into this season’s challenge.

Arteta highlighted individual displays, and especially Raya’s, as the base for Arsenal’s position. "When we are where we are, it's because individuals are doing so well, and certainly David has been immense for us since he joined," said Arteta. "This season again, I think he's gone to a different level, very stable, really, really consistent,and he's a key player for us."

Arsenal reach the EFL Cup final after defeating Chelsea 4-2 on aggregate earlier in the week, adding another opportunity for a first trophy since the 2020 FA Cup. During that semi-final tie, attention also turned to events before kick-off rather than only to Raya’s display and the result itself.

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior criticised behaviour from some Arsenal staff in the warm-up, accusing them of entering Chelsea’s half and calling it disrespectful. The incident involved members of Arsenal’s backroom group, not Raya, yet it drew questions for Arteta about boundaries during pre-match routines used by goalkeepers and outfield players.

Arteta responded by stressing respect for opponents while downplaying the flashpoint. "I don't know, it's his opinion and, obviously, we respect everybody. At any point, if one of the staff members went through that, we apologise, and that's it. It's very common in football, especially with the keepers, because they have to kick long balls and all that stuff, so nothing there to comment."

Arsenal now focus on hosting Sunderland in the Premier League, with Raya set to continue in goal. With a league lead to protect, an EFL Cup final ahead and further competitions still open, Arteta views the goalkeeper’s calm presence and recent performances as central to Arsenal’s hopes of ending the club’s six-year trophy wait.