David Raya’s remarkable run of form continued as Arsenal matched a 122-year-old club record with their eighth consecutive clean sheet in all competitions. The Spanish goalkeeper was rarely troubled during Arsenal’s 3–0 Champions League win over Slavia Prague, but his alertness never wavered — even sprinting to the touchline to consult goalkeeping coach Iñaki Caña when a late penalty was awarded, before VAR overturned the decision.
Since Nick Woltemade’s goal for Newcastle on 28 September, Raya has gone nearly 13 hours without conceding, facing only 12 shots on target during that period. His 50th clean sheet in 110 appearances since joining from Brentford in 2023 has already set a new personal milestone, surpassing early 20th-century record-holder Jimmy Ashcroft.
Despite jokes from fans that he could “work from home” and still keep a clean sheet, Raya insists complacency isn’t an option.
“You never know when the other team is going to have a chance,” he said. “I have to be alert for 90 or even 100 minutes every game.”
Mikel Arteta praised his keeper’s professionalism, calling him “exceptional” in anticipation and training habits. Raya’s speed and proactive approach — often acting as a “first attacker and last defender” — have made him vital to Arsenal’s build-up play.
According to Opta, Raya has been the fastest goalkeeper in this season’s Champions League, clocking 31.34 km/h, and ranks second in the Premier League. His 273 touches during the clean-sheet run, including two in the opposition half, highlight his sweeping style.
Raya has credited a frank meeting with Caña after conceding three goals against Luton in 2023 for improving his composure and aggression in claiming crosses. Since then, Arsenal haven’t conceded more than twice in any game and now stand as the first English top-flight side in over a century to win eight straight matches without conceding.
Next up for the Gunners — and their ever-alert keeper — is an away trip to in-form Sunderland.
