David Raya extended his remarkable unbeaten streak as Arsenal equalled a club clean sheet record dating back to 1903, following their 3-0 win over Slavia Prague.
The Spanish goalkeeper, who has not conceded in over 12 hours and 56 minutes of play, has now kept eight straight clean sheets, helping Arsenal to 10 consecutive victories in all competitions. His 50th clean sheet in just 110 appearances for the club takes him past the record held by Jimmy Ashcroft from the early 20th century.
Though Arsenal were comfortable on the night, Raya stayed sharp — even dashing to the touchline to consult goalkeeping coach Iñaki Caña before a late penalty was overturned by VAR. “You never know when the other team is going to have a chance,” Raya said. “You have to be alert 90, 100 minutes every game.”
Manager Mikel Arteta praised Raya’s focus and anticipation, calling him “exceptional.” The 30-year-old currently boasts the best save success rate in the Premier League at 84.2% and has become integral to Arsenal’s possession-based system, acting as both “the first attacker and the last defender.”
Raya credits a change in mindset — and a two-hour conversation with Caña last season — for his calm and commanding form. With Arsenal now the first English top-flight side in over a century to win eight consecutive games without conceding, Raya insists he is staying grounded ahead of Saturday’s clash with Sunderland.
