Mikel Arteta hailed “outstanding” goalkeeper David Raya after Arsenal kept their sixth successive away clean sheet in the Premier League. Raya, 28, was superb between the posts on Saturday as Arsenal produced a workmanlike performance in their 2-0 victory away to Wolves. The Spaniard’s excellent reaction save to deny Joao Gomes at his near post in the first half while the game was still goalless proved decisive, as did goals from Leandro Trossard and Martin Odegaard.
The Gunners are now top of the Premier League again – albeit having played one more game than title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool – much thanks to wins at West Ham, Burnley, Sheffield United, City, Brighton and now Wolves over the past two months. Raya, who remаins on loan from Brentford in a deal which is set to be made permanent this summer, has played every minute and his boss is full of praise.
When asked how crucial the 28-year-old’s save to deny Gomes was, Arteta replied: “Very, because we didn’t concede anything up to that point. We had some very open situations that would have changed the game for sure.
Arsenal’s Ben White gives brilliant response to Wolves fans singing hilarious chant at him “David was outstanding in that moment to make the save that we needed and then we took advantage. I think he’s been very consistent throughout the whole season. The numbers are proof of that. I think the timing of the first goal was really helpful as well. Really happy.”
Reflecting on the record run, the Arsenal manager continued: “That’s a very difficult thing to do as a team and especially in this league. Big credit to the boys because that gives us a huge platform to win football matches. Now we have another big one, a big London derby against a great team that are in good form, in front of our people. Let’s do it.”
When David Raya first arrived at Blackburn Rovers as a 15-year-old who couldn’t speak English, he faced doubts from a coach who believed his height would be a hindrance to his success. However, Raya’s hands proved to be his greatest asset. Displaying his unusually large palms, he convinced the coaches to give him a trial. Within one day of training, Raya’s exceptional talent was evident, leading to his immediate signing.
Despite not possessing the typical height associated with goalkeeping prodigies, Raya displayed explosive athleticism, agility, distribution, and discipline. His hands, often described as “shovels,” were significantly larger than expected for his size. At the age of 28, Raya has fulfilled his immense potential. He is now the first-choice goalkeeper for Arsenal and a Spanish international. His calm performances, superb distribution, and exceptional hand size have solidified his place in Mikel Arteta’s team.
Raya’s success cannot be solely attributed to his hands, but they undoubtedly play a significant role. Measuring size 11, his goalkeeper gloves are the largest available from The One Glove, designed for palms over four inches (10.2cm) across. Despite being shorter than many top-flight goalkeepers, Raya’s disproportionately large hands enhance his abilities.