David Raya’s remarkable run of form continued as Arsenal equalled a 122-year-old club record for consecutive clean sheets after a 3-0 Champions League win at Slavia Prague.
Though the goalkeeper had little to do for most of the night, he remained alert throughout, saving Slavia’s only shot on target in injury time after a late penalty was overturned by VAR. Raya has now gone 12 hours and 56 minutes without conceding, keeping eight successive clean sheets in all competitions.
It was his 50th clean sheet in 110 games for Arsenal since joining from Brentford in 2023 — surpassing Jimmy Ashcroft’s mark set in 1903. “You never know when the other team is going to have a chance,” Raya said. “You have to be alert for 90, 100 minutes every game.”
Mikel Arteta praised the 30-year-old’s focus and preparation, calling him “exceptional” in his anticipation and work ethic. Raya often consults goalkeeping coach Iñaki Caña mid-match — a partnership that dates back to their Brentford days.
Statistically, Raya leads the Premier League with an 84.2% save success rate, and his aggressive, high-sweeper style has made him one of Europe’s most proactive goalkeepers. His pace — clocked at 31.34km/h in the Champions League — allows him to act as Arsenal’s “first attacker and last defender”.
Having steadied after early struggles and overtaken Aaron Ramsdale as No. 1, Raya’s consistency has helped Arsenal win 10 straight games. Despite their defensive dominance, the Spaniard insists complacency isn’t an option ahead of Saturday’s trip to Sunderland: “You never know when your moment will come — I have to stay ready.”
