Match Coverage

Alan Shearer says something Arsenal did vs Brighton was ‘as good as a goal’

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One moment in Arsenal’s win over Brighton caught Alan Shearer’s attention even more than the goals.

Martin Odegaard shone against Brighton to score his first goal of the season in style.

The Norwegian’s strike was a high point, but as the game progressed, it became apparent that another player’s influence was even greater.

If it weren’t for David Raya, Arsenal wouldn’t have beaten Brighton, as the Spaniard made a remarkable save in the final quarter of the game to maintain the Gunners’ lead.

Tell us what percentage of Premier League goalkeepers YOU THINK could make this save.

Alan Shearer loved David Raya’s save against Brighton

Raya’s save even earned praise from the opposition, with Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler applauding the goalkeeper’s effort.

The 30-year-old has been the talk of North London ever since the moment of magic he produced, a moment that Alan Shearer can’t get out of his mind.

David Raya pulls off an incredible save during Arsenal vs Brighton
Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images

Plenty of pundits commented on Raya’s save, with Shearer continuing the praise in the wake of matchday 18 on The Rest Is Football podcast. 

“That’s as good as a goal, isn’t it?” Shearer said, likening Raya’s stop to a long-distance goal.

“That’s like when someone scores an absolute screamer from 30 yards, might win you the game, that’s as good as that. I thought that save was just sensational.”

When Arsenal were up against it, Raya was there to preserve the lead, offering a moment of excellence that got the three points over the line.

Arsenal fans reflect on Aaron Ramsdale being dropped for Raya 

Ever since the Brighton win, Arsenal fans have been discussing Raya on social media.

On X, a compilation of the Spaniard’s best saves this season did the rounds, which prompted a similar response from a selection of supporters.

Mikel Arteta’s decision to drop Aaron Ramsdale for Raya was spoken about, with fans reminiscing on the fallout that came after the 2023 transfer. 

“I had so many arguments with people who were adamant that Ramsdale was better,” one fan recalled.

Change my mind, David Raya is the best Arsenal goalkeeper of the Emirates era.

A graphic to show David Raya's record in the Premier League.
Credit: Getty Images/Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside

After watching Raya’s best saves of 2025/26, another added, “They were talking bout some Ramsdale.”

Arsenal fans continued to reminisce about the time that Ramsdale was dropped to allow Raya to become first choice.

“Remember when everyone and their dog had Ramsdale ahead of this guy? Fun times!”

One fan agreed, “Some Arsenal fans actually wanted Ramsdale to be our No1. Keeper ahead of David Raya. I could remember Arteta getting insulted by the fan base.”

Arteta absolutely made the right choice to change his goalkeeper, with Arsenal reaping the rewards of purchasing Raya from Brentford.