Arsenal goalkeeper now leads the PL in important stat ahead of Alisson and Ederson

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Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya recovered from a shaky start and is now excelling at the Emirates Stadium.

The Spaniard joined from Brentford this summer and overtook Aaron Ramsdale in the pecking order, with the England International now set to depart at the end of the season.

Raya has been outstanding with his distribution in recent weeks, helping set up several chances with his quick throwing, whilst he also ranks top of the Premier League for cross-claiming.

His aggressive style has helped Arsenal push higher up the pitch, and Mikel Arteta’s side often play the game in the opposition half, with the back four allowed to set their line further forward knowing that Raya can support from behind.

In addition to this, Raya has done the basics of goalkeeping well, and ranks above anyone else in the Premier League for one crucial stat.

David Raya ranks top of the Premier League for goals conceded

As per FBRef, Raya ranks top of the Premier League for goals conceded per 90 minutes, with a rate of 0.86, having conceded 19 times in 22 games.

This is a better rate than Liverpool’s Alisson, who comes in at 0.90, and Manchester City’s Ederson, with 0.96.

Alisson has played one game less than Raya due to injury, whilst Ederson has played four games more, with Raya missing the start of the season and clashes with his parent club Brentford.

Whilst Raya has an influence on the team which is sometimes unseen, he is also keeping the ball out of the net, which many would point to as his priority, and he has the most clean sheets in the Premier League this season.

David Raya’s outstanding impact for Arsenal

Many questioned why Raya was brought in when Ramsdale was also performing well, and his difficult start did him no favours.

However, he has since evolved into one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, and a vital figure at the back for Arsenal.

Arsenal have one of the best defensive units in Europe, and whilst a lot of this is down to William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes as a centre-back pairing, they have also been helped by Raya’s ability on the ball, and all three work in perfect tandem to keep the ball away from the box.