David Raya’s remarkable run of clean sheets shows no sign of stopping as Arsenal equalled a club record that has stood for 122 years. The Spaniard has now gone 12 hours and 56 minutes without conceding, helping the team to eight consecutive shutouts in all competitions — a feat last achieved when Arsenal were still a south London side in 1903.
During the 3-0 win over Slavia Prague, Raya was barely tested, making just one save. Even so, he was ready to pounce when a late penalty was awarded — sprinting to the touchline to consult goalkeeping coach Iñaki Caña before VAR overturned the decision. “You never know when the other team will have a chance,” he said. “I have to be alert for 90 or 100 minutes every game.”
Manager Mikel Arteta praised Raya’s sharpness and focus, calling him “exceptional” in his anticipation and training habits. The 30-year-old, who joined from Brentford in 2023, now holds the best save rate in the Premier League (84.2%) and has racked up 50 clean sheets in 110 games for the club.
Raya’s proactive style — racing off his line and acting as “the first attacker and the last defender” — has been key to Arsenal’s success. His aggressive approach and speed (31.34 km/h in the Champions League) allow him to snuff out danger before it develops.
Having overcome early struggles and his battle for the No 1 spot with Aaron Ramsdale, Raya credits a “reset” with Caña and a new daily routine for his improvement. Arsenal, unbeaten in ten and defensively unmatched, now head to Sunderland looking to extend their historic streak.
