David Raya’s remarkable run of form continued as Arsenal equalled a 122-year-old club record with their eighth consecutive clean sheet in all competitions, following a 3-0 win over Slavia Prague.
The Spanish goalkeeper, who has yet to concede in this season’s Champions League, nearly had his streak broken late on when Slavia were awarded a penalty. Raya immediately sprinted to consult goalkeeping coach Iñaki Caña, his long-time mentor from Brentford, before the VAR overturned the decision.
Despite facing just seven shots on target across four European games, Raya remains vigilant:
“You never know when the other team is going to have a chance,” he said. “I have to be alert 90, 100 minutes every game.”
Raya has been crucial to Arsenal’s defensive transformation, boasting the Premier League’s best save rate (84.2%) and the highest recorded sprint speed of any goalkeeper in the Champions League this season.
Manager Mikel Arteta praised Raya’s focus and preparation:
“It’s the way he trains every single day and anticipates things — David is exceptional at that.”
Raya’s partnership with Caña has also shaped his proactive style, with the 30-year-old often acting as Arsenal’s “first attacker and last defender.” Since conceding against Newcastle on 28 September, Arsenal have faced just 12 shots on target in nearly 13 hours of play.
Their next test comes against Sunderland, with Raya determined to maintain focus as Arsenal look to break their own century-old record.
