David Raya’s ‘game-changer’ moment identified as Ben Foster makes bold Arsenal prediction

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Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has earned a host of praise for his performance against Manchester City.

The Gunners took a point from the Etihad on match day five of the Premier League season, with the result painfully close to being different.

Arsenal led for the majority of the fixture up until John Stones netted a last-gasp equaliser to see the points shared.

It was a dramatic battle from start to finish, with Mikel Arteta’s task made increasingly difficult by Leandro Trossard’s first-half dismissal. 

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David Raya praised for his performance against Man City

As Trossard was shown a second yellow card just before the interval, Arsenal’s task became clear, to defend a 2-1 lead at the home of the champions with just 10 men.

The Gunners set up as expected in the second half, withstanding wave after wave of attack from City, who still only managed to record 1.40 xG (expected goals) in the second period, via Sofascore.

Part of the reason for City’s struggle at breaking Arsenal down was David Raya, who stood firm between the sticks and was protected admirably by his back four.

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Lots of praise was fired Raya’s way after the game, with pundit Dave Watson identifying the game-changing tactic from the Spaniard that earned the Gunners a result, via Fozcast. 

“The saves, we got to a point where they were excellent saves but I think you’d expect him to make them,” Watson explained.

“I thought the game-changer for me was he was really dominant. He was claiming corners, he took one just before the end of the game and four or five of them virtually jumped on him because they were thinking it would be the game done.

“I think he’s become that front foot goalie and even though they’re so strong in front of him, he still wanted to come and dominate.”

Ben Foster makes Arsenal prediction amid Raya’s form

It’s been quite the start to the season for Raya, who seems to have reached a new level since the 2024/25 campaign commenced.

Returning to North London after winning Euro 2024 with Spain over the summer, the goalkeeper has shown a growth in his hunger to take the next step, with his performances certainly displaying that.

Speaking on Fozcast, Ben Foster was full of praise for Raya’s form so far this term, making a bold claim over Arsenal’s Player of the Season.

“I think he’s [Raya] probably been Arsenal’s player of the season so far, Champions League as well, he’s on fire. 

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“Every game this season he’s been making top saves, really big saves in really big moments. He just looks happy and comfortable.”

The Spaniard impressed last season however, has emerged as a figure of even greater importance this year, with him even receiving shouts as being one of the world’s best at this moment.

It’s positive to see that Raya is thriving at Arsenal, reinforcing that Arteta made the right call at the start of last season when opting to secure the shot-stopper on loan.