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Alan Shearer | Getty Images
Arsenal are looking to win the Premier League title this season under the guidance of Mikel Arteta
Diego Gomez pulled a goal back for the visitors in the second-half. However, they weren’t able to find an equaliser in the end. Mikel Arteta’s men held on for another valuable three points.
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya hailed by Alan Shearer
Arsenal saw goalkeeper David Raya make an impressive save to deny Brighton another goal. The Gunners remain two points clear ahead of Manchester City at the summit. They are also still three points ahead of Aston Villa in 3rd.
Speaking on Match of the Day, ex-Newcastle United striker Shearer hailed Raya after his key moment and said: “This is an unbelievable save. They (Brighton) work it again so well, it’s those two down that right hand side, little give and go. Wow, that is all you can say. You can see (Fabian) Hurzeler and his reaction on the touchline.
“Unbelievable save that is. It really is magnificent. So what could have been an easier afternoon if Arsenal had of kept that up in the first half, turned into a really difficult afternoon but they got the three points which was the most important thing.”
Meanwhile, former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney added: “In all fairness, it was an absolutely incredible save. The speed he has to get across the goal. It’s moments like that that win you league titles. David Raya has many of those moments throughout the season.”
Arsenal’s number one David Raya in eye-catching form
Arsenal have a stopper who they can trust in Raya. He is comfortable with the ball at his feet and has made some big contributions over recent weeks. The Spain international, who has 11 caps to his name, has been with his current club since joining them on an initial loan deal back in 2023 that was later made permanent.
He has since made 119 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions, 23 of which have come in this campaign. The ‘keeper’s contract expires in June 2028 meaning he still has three years left to run down. Kepa Arrizabalaga provides back-up from the bench.
Raya started out in England at Blackburn Rovers and was loaned out to Southport in non-league as a youngster to get some experience under his belt. The Barcelona-born man later became the first choice at Ewood Park before Brentford lured him down to London. He went on to play 161 games for the Bees before Arsenal came calling and he hasn’t looked back since.
Arteta’s side are finding ways to win games which is a good sign. They will be eager to keep their momentum going for as long as possible with City and Aston Villa chasing them down. The latter are their next opponents on Tuesday and they will be in for a tough test against their former manager Unai Emery. Villa beat Chelsea 2-1 last time out and have won their last 11 on the spin.
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