David Raya lays down marker as he aims for 2nd Golden Glove | OneFootball

David Raya continued to demonstrate why Mikel Arteta wanted him as Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper by securing a crucial clean sheet in their 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – AUGUST 24: Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa creates a headed chance which is saved by David Raya of Arsenal (not pictured) during the Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Arsenal FC at Villa Park on August 24, 2024 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

The Spanish international made a spectacular save to deny Ollie Watkins in what was a defining moment in the match, helping Mikel Arteta’s side to their second win of the season without conceding.

Raya’s save against Watkins, a point-blank header that seemed destined for the back of the net, showcased the reflexes and sharp positioning that have made him such a crucial player for Arsenal.

The clean sheet against Villa also marked his 18th in the Premier League for the club in just 34 appearances, five more than any other goalkeeper since he first donned the Gunners’ shirt and twice as many as the third keeper on the list.

In total, Raya has kept 22 clean sheets in 43 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal, conceding only 31 goals.

Aston Villa’s Columbian striker #09 Jhon Duran (C) watches as the ball goes past the post during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on August 24, 2024. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Raya’s latest means Arsenal have started a top-flight season with back-to-back clean sheets for only the third time in their history, having previously achieved the feat in 1924-25 and 1971-72.

These early defensive displays have set the tone for Arsenal’s ambitions this season, and much of that can be attributed to Raya’s consistency and confidence.

He is a huge part of why Arsenal have only conceded three goals away from home in the whole of 2024.

Raya’s commanding presence between the posts was key to him claiming the Premier League Golden Glove award for the 2023/24 season, where his 16 clean sheets in 32 matches placed him comfortably ahead of his competitors.

Despite playing fewer games than many of his rivals, Raya’s performances outshone the likes of Jordan Pickford of Everton and Ederson of Manchester City, making him only the third Arsenal goalkeeper to win the award since its introduction in 2004/05.

David Raya with his PFA Team of the Year award (Photo via Raya on Twitter)

His accomplishment also puts him among an elite group of goalkeepers who have achieved such a feat in their debut season with a club.

Only eight other keepers in Premier League history have managed more clean sheets in their first campaign, including the likes of Petr Cech and Alisson.

Raya’s 16 clean sheets in his debut season for Arsenal matched Cech’s winning record from 2015/16 and Wojciech Szczesny’s in 2013/14, illustrating the significant impact he has had since arriving in north London.

Arsenal’s Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny reacts. (Andrew Yates/AFP/Getty Images)

To further highlight his achievements, only club legend David Seaman has recorded more clean sheets in a single season for Arsenal in the Premier League era.

Seaman’s 19 in both the 1993/94 and 1998/99 campaigns stand as the benchmark at the club, but with Raya’s early form, it is clear that the Spaniard is setting new standards at the Emirates.

Petr Cech’s 24 with Chelsea from 2004/05 is the figure to beat in the Premier League.

Raya’s role in Arsenal’s defensive stability has been instrumental in giving the team the platform to push for major honours this season.

As he aims for his second consecutive Golden Glove, his performances will be crucial in Arsenal’s quest to end their Premier League title drought.