Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya continued his remarkable run of form as the Gunners equalled a 122-year-old club record with their eighth straight clean sheet in all competitions.
During Tuesday’s 3-0 Champions League win at Slavia Prague, Raya was rarely troubled but remained fully alert — even sprinting to the touchline for a quick chat with goalkeeping coach Iñaki Caña after a late penalty was awarded. The decision was overturned by VAR, preserving Raya’s spotless record in Europe this season.
Since Nick Woltemade’s goal for Newcastle on 28 September, Arsenal have faced only 12 shots on target across nearly 13 hours of football. Raya, who joined from Brentford in 2023, has now kept 50 clean sheets in 110 games, surpassing the mark set by Jimmy Ashcroft more than a century ago.
Despite suggestions he could be “working from home” given Arsenal’s dominance, Raya insists he cannot switch off.
“You never know when the other team is going to have a chance,” he said. “You have to be alert 90 or 100 minutes every game.”
Manager Mikel Arteta praised the Spaniard’s focus and anticipation, while Opta data shows Raya ranks among the quickest keepers in Europe — reaching 31.34km/h in the Champions League.
Arsenal, who are now the first English top-flight side in over a century to record eight straight wins without conceding, face Sunderland next as they aim to extend their historic run.
