Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has clinched the Premier League Golden Glove award for the third straight season. The Gunners star has 18 clean sheets in the league and now cannot be caught by any rival following his shut-out at West Ham on Sunday.
Controversial Victory at West Ham
Raya was at the centre of the controversial ending to Arsenal's 1-0 win after VAR ruled out West Ham's 95th-minute equaliser for a foul on the goalkeeper. It was ruled that Pablo had impeded Raya as he tried to catch the corner moments before Callum Wilson fired in.
The decision meant that Leandro Trossard's goal was enough to secure a vital three points which sent Arsenal five clear of Manchester City at the top of the table. It also meant a personal achievement for Raya, who claimed another clean sheet.
Golden Glove Secured
Manchester City's Gianluigi Donnarumma is the next closest keeper, with 14 clean sheets, meaning he now cannot catch Raya, with City only having three games left in the league this season. The Spaniard has been a key player for Arsenal and his save to deny West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes one-on-one in the second half underlined his importance.
When asked about the save, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said: "When you talk about magic moments, this is certainly one of the most needed moments as well to pull off with that save. He was incredible."
Arteta added: "I don't know if it was his biggest save of the season. He's made a few to be fair. So, yeah, that says how good he's been."
Praise from Pundits
Speaking on Match of the Day, ex-Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given said: "Fernandes is clean through on goal, a one-v-one situation. When Fernandes goes through, he doesn't commit himself, he actually gives the decision to the forward player. It was five minutes before the Trossard goal. It's a massive save in the scheme of the Premier League title. Arsenal have one hand on the trophy. He's unbelievable. Third season in a row, Golden Glove winner. This guy is the real deal."
Historic Achievement
Raya joined Arsenal from Brentford in 2023 and has now secured the Golden Glove award in every season since. He joins ex-Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina and Man City duo Joe Hart and Ederson as the goalkeepers to have earned the award three years in a row.
Posting on Instagram, he wrote: "Huge performance from the team and another clean sheet to keep the momentum going. Golden Glove secured. 2 left."
Arsenal will win their first Premier League title since 2004 if they beat Burnley and Crystal Palace in their final two league games of the season. Raya will also have the daunting task of trying to keep out Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on May 30.
