Raya has saved essentially the most clear sheets of any goalkeeper in Europe’s high 5 leagues, along with his 22 throughout all competitions 4 away from Inter’s Yann Sommer.
The previous Brentford goalkeeper has develop into an enormous presence at Arsenal and is a part of the group’s management group.
He made a significant save to disclaim Maxi Araujo early on in Tuesday’s match, tipping a thumping strike on to the crossbar earlier than making three saves late on to maintain the tie degree earlier than Havertz’s winner.
“It is one thing that I am there for. I am making an attempt to assist the group as a lot as potential in any single motion, not simply defending however commanding and on the ball,” Raya informed Amazon Prime.
The clear sheet was Raya and Arsenal‘s seventh within the Champions League this season – essentially the most of any goalkeeper and any aspect within the competitors.
“That is one thing we have labored on loads. It is so vital for us, these clear sheets make it simpler to win video games. It confirmed tonight, scoring within the final minute and holding that clear sheet decides these kind of video games,” Raya mentioned.
The goalkeeper’s acrobatic saves usually are not the one spectacular side of his sport.
Raya is given a whole lot of duty with the ball at his ft and his passing vary and decision-making make Arsenal a greater attacking aspect.
“That is the evolution of the sport,” Arteta mentioned. “The keeper in the previous few years has modified and developed quickly, and the quantity of issues that we ask him to do, it is loads.
“However many positions have very related conditions and calls for proper now, and the gamers should adapt to that.
“Other than the qualities of David, the braveness, the need to do sure issues, that is when you may attain one other degree.”
However the Gunners boss wouldn’t be drawn on if he thought that Raya was one of the best goalkeeper on the earth.
“He is extraordinary, magnificent, unimaginable,” Arteta mentioned. “I do not know the fitting adjective. We’re so glad to have him.”
Raya has 15 clear sheets in 31 Premier League matches this season, essentially the most within the division.
He shared the Golden Glove trophy with Nottingham Forest‘s Matz Sels in 2024-25 – however Arsenal will hope that if Raya lifts that non-public accolade once more, it would imply they’ve secured silverware as a group too.
