David Raya’s remarkable run of clean sheets continued as Arsenal equalled a 122-year-old club record during their 3-0 win over Slavia Prague in the Champions League. The Spaniard has now gone 12 hours and 56 minutes without conceding, with Arsenal recording eight straight clean sheets in all competitions — a feat last achieved in 1903.
Although Raya had little to do in Prague, he stayed sharp — even dashing to the touchline for advice from goalkeeping coach Iñaki Caña when a late penalty was awarded, only for VAR to overturn it. The 30-year-old has made just seven saves in four Champions League games, yet boasts the Premier League’s best save rate (84.2%) and is praised by Mikel Arteta for his focus and anticipation.
Raya’s proactive style has been central to Arsenal’s defensive dominance. His speed and sweeping play — reaching 31.34km/h in Europe — have made him both “the first attacker and last defender.” Since a difficult spell early in his Arsenal career, Raya credits a renewed training routine and deeper understanding with Caña for his consistency.
With Arsenal unbeaten in 10 straight games and Raya surpassing 50 clean sheets for the club, the goalkeeper insists he won’t relax:
“You never know when the other team is going to have a chance,” he said. “You have to be alert for 90, 100 minutes every game.”
Arsenal now turn to their Premier League trip to Sunderland, aiming to extend their historic defensive streak.
