Arsenal: David Raya explains how summer spending has impacted trophy push | OneFootball

The club’s new arrivals are not just making a difference on the pitch

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

Sign up

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

The Gunners have since made a brilliant start to the season, and they are top of the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta’s side have also won all three of their Champions League games after thumping Atletico Madrid 4-0 win on Tuesday night.

And asked if Arsenal have the squad to fight for silverware on multiple fronts this season, Raya said: “Yes, I think so.

“The depth of the squad is incredible. We have a lot of players and we have a lot of players that can play in two, three, four different positions.

“Like today, [Mikel] Merino came on as a striker and he can play as a No8, he can play as a No10.

Viktor Gyokeres ended his goal drought against Arsenal

Getty Images

“So, that’s the variety that the boss has and he’s using it for our advantage and for the best of the team. It’s looking very, very good and that depth is very important for us.

“Of course, that gives you an extra level in training and in games because if you’re not at it every day, you can lose your spot in a fraction [of a second].

“So, that gives that competitiveness in training and in games. That’s really, really important and everybody is on board with that.”

Arsenal’s defence has been a key reason for their fast start and Tuesday was their ninth clean sheet of the season.

They have conceded just three goals in their first 12 matches, the fewest at this stage in the club’s 138-year history.

“It’s a team effort,” said Raya. “It’s a collective effort from the striker to the goalie.

It’s really, really important for everyone to feel that way

David Raya

“So, everyone is on it, everyone doesn’t want to give anything away and everyone wants to intercept that ball before it is getting even to the halfway line.

“So, if we intercept that ball, that means we can have a short counter. It’s really, really important for everyone to feel that way and we’re not giving away that many chances, which is perfect.

“Clean sheets are always important. I give them the same credit as goals.

“If we continue keeping clean sheets, that’s going to make games easier to win them. So, it is really, really important and especially for the whole team, not giving away that many chances and being very, very solid.”