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Premier League icon makes David Raya admission after what he saw him do in Arsenal win v Wolves

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Arsenal kicked off their Premier League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Wolves, but it was not a straightforward game.

Goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka handed Arsenal all three points, and beginning the campaign with a clean sheet was certainly a positive for Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal were dominant, but they were sloppy at times in what felt like an extension of pre-season, and Wolves did have some openings.

Goalkeeper David Raya completed his permanent move to Arsenal this summer after arriving on loan last year, and this was a game in which he really stepped up.

Centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes were not at their usual high level, but the Spaniard was imperious between the sticks, and he has now been praised by a Premier League icon.

Arsenal FC v Wolverhampton Wanderers FC - Premier League
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Joe Hart praises David Raya after Arsenal victory over Wolves

Speaking on BBC Match Of The Day, former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart praised Raya for the confidence he showed in the victory at the Emirates.

“David Raya, constantly involved with his team. You know, he’s come in from Brentford, respectfully not a title-chasing team, now he’s at Arsenal,” Hart explained.

“Constantly involved, moving that ball around. His team trust him. Look at the movements, constantly on his toes… [on first half save] For a title-winning goalkeeper, or title-winning aspirations, those moments really add up.”

David Raya stepped up in big moments for Arsenal against Wolves

Wolves did find themselves with a chance to equalise after Havertz’s goal as new signing Jorgen Strand Larsen aimed a superb header goalwards after an error at the back.

The 28-year-old was already shifting to his left side, but he saved the attempt brilliantly as he quickly raised his right hand to block the ball, and Raya’s brilliance drew huge praise from Arsenal fans.

The goalkeeper was also dominant in the air, one of the key factors behind the decision to bring him in, and he stood firm to prevent any Wolves chances.

In the closing stages of the game, Pablo Sarabia struck a volley at goal, which again Raya superbly kept out to keep the clean sheet.

In a game where Arsenal’s normally rock-solid defence appeared vulnerable at times, Raya showed his quality, and sent out a statement that he is ready to win the Golden Glove in back-to-back seasons.