Match Coverage

David Raya just managed something no Arsenal goalkeeper has since 1971 in Aston Villa victory

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Arsenal pulled off an impressive win at Aston Villa, but the result could have been different if not for a heroic save from David Raya.

The Gunners found themselves under pressure at times from the hosts, and Villa thought they were about to take the lead against Arsenal as a header fell to Ollie Watkins at point-blank range, with Raya on the ground.

However, Raya produced a moment of magic as he clawed the ball away, and prevented a near-certain goal, and Leandro Trossard and Thomas Partey went on to score to hand Arsenal a 2-0 win.

William Saliba was also outstanding at the back again, and Arsenal repeated their scoreline from the opening day, in what is actually a historical result.

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Arsenal and David Raya make Premier League history in Aston Villa win

Arsenal have won both their first-two games, with clean sheets in both, and this is particularly significant for Raya.

This is the first time that Arsenal have won both their first two matches without conceding in the Premier Leeague era.

Arsenal have not won both their first two league games to nil since the start of the 1971-72 season, in which club legend Bob Wilson started the season in goal, recording two clean sheets in two games.

Raya is the first goalkeeper to do so in the Premier League era, with the likes of David Seaman and Wojciech Szczesny unable to replicate this.

Arsenal’s start to the 1971-72 season compared to now

Arsenal started the 1971-72 season as double-winning Champions, having won the league away at Tottenham Hotspur, and winning the FA Cup.

The Gunners began the season with a 3-0 win over Chelsea at Highbury, and a 1-0 win away at Huddersfield Town.

Wilson was in goal for both games, and Arsenal’s stubborn defence certainly supported him. However, it would go on to be a disappointing campaign as Bertie Mee’s side would finish fifth, and they lost 3-1 to Manchester United in the very next game.

Arsenal have now beaten Wolves and Aston Villa, and they know that there is little room at this level for complacency as they face Brighton next week.