David Raya’s remarkable run continued this week as Arsenal equalled a 122-year-old club record with their eighth straight clean sheet following a 3-0 win over Slavia Prague.
Though the goalkeeper was largely untested once again, Raya remained sharp — even sprinting to the touchline to confer with goalkeeping coach Iñaki Caña when a late penalty was awarded. The spot kick was overturned by VAR, preserving Raya’s perfect Champions League record this season, in which he has faced only seven shots on target and conceded none.
Since Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade scored against him on 28 September, Arsenal have allowed just 12 shots on target in nearly 13 hours of football. Raya’s 50th clean sheet in 110 games for the club took him past early-1900s record holder Jimmy Ashcroft.
“You never know when the other team will get a chance,” Raya said. “You have to be alert for 90, 100 minutes every game.”
Manager Mikel Arteta praised his keeper’s focus, calling him “exceptional” for his anticipation and composure. Raya boasts the highest save percentage in the Premier League (84.2%) and ranks among the fastest goalkeepers, with top speeds over 31 km/h in the Champions League.
His commanding sweeper-keeper style — refined with Caña’s guidance — has made him central to Arsenal’s defensive transformation. As the Gunners chase silverware, Raya remains determined to stay grounded: “I’m the first attacker and the last defender. I have to be ready for everything.”
