With four wins and two draws from their first six Premier League games of the 2024-25 campaign, Arsenal have performed admirably and are just a point below league leaders Liverpool despite facing a tough run of fixtures.
Mikel Arteta’s side secured a 4-2 win against Leicester City in dramatic fashion as an own goal and a strike from Kai Havertz – both in stoppage time – gave them all three points despite the game being tied at 2-2 after regulation time.
Arsenal have had a handful of standout performers this season, but David Raya cementing his status has been one of the most intriguing subplots of their season.
And Kevin Nolan believes the Spanish goalkeeper is one of the best players in the Premier League in his position.
Kevin Nolan lauds Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya
Raya has been instrumental for Arsenal this season and recently saved a penalty as the Gunners came away with a draw against Atalanta in their first UEFA Champions League game of the season.
Nolan feels Raya has improved tremendously since joining Arsenal from Brentford last summer, describing him as a ‘complete’ goalkeeper.
“When Arsenal bought David Raya, everyone went ‘Why are they buying him?’ Because Ramsdale had a great season but what he has done is he has made them better.,” said Nolan on BBC Sport.
“He has put Arsenal closer to Man City and now you look at him, he is a complete keeper. He makes really good saves, he can play with his feet.
“He is the one now who you look at and thinking who are your top two keepers. I always thought Alisson. Obviously Ederson at Man City, and then you have got Raya. He has taken Arsenal to another level.”
Raya has been an inspired signing by Arsenal
Aaron Ramsdale did a decent job for the club when he was Arsenal’s first choice goalkeeper, but Raya has made the number one spot his own since moving to the club and has improved considerably over the past 12 months.
The 29-year-old has forged a fantastic partnership with the Arsenal defenders at the back and will be a key player for the club as they aim to win their first Premier League crown in over 20 years.
