Ben White proved any of his doubters wrong against Brentford, and so did one of his Arsenal teammates.
White was Arsenal’s Man of the Match against the Bees, returning to the starting XI for the first time since matchday one of the Premier League season.
The Englishman helped Arsenal on their way to a 2-0 win over Brentford, and he wasn’t the only one.
Though White’s defensive masterclass kept Brentford at bay, it was David Raya who ultimately ensured another clean sheet was kept.
David Raya’s performance against Brentford was needed
Against his former club, Raya reminded the Bees what they’re missing by pulling off a remarkable save in the 21st minute.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ commentary, Alan Smith described the stop to deny Kevin Schade as ‘one of the saves of the season’
If you could swap David Raya with any goalkeeper in the world, would you?
The moment of magic prevented an almost certain goal for Brentford, but it wasn’t just stopping the shot from going in that would’ve meant a lot to Raya.
Raya has been criticised in recent weeks for some of his performances, and just as doubts started to set in, the Spaniard came up with a world-class save to remind fans of his quality.
The situation was loosely comparable to White’s, whose downfall was impossible to ignore before matchday 14, with things turning around at the perfect time.
At no point was Raya at risk of losing his place; however, as we’ve seen before, if Mikel Arteta has any doubts about his goalkeeper, he won’t hesitate to change things.
Incredible David Raya statistic emerged from Brentford win
It was a statement save from Raya, whose stop ensured he recorded yet another clean sheet this season.
At this rate, the 30-year-old will be running away with the Golden Glove award, as remarkably, he’s kept more clean sheets than conceded goals.
Is David Raya the best goalkeeper Arsenal have ever had? If not, who is it?
Yes, you’re reading that correctly, as Raya has conceded seven goals this season in the Premier League while keeping eight clean sheets.
While Arsenal’s defence certainly helps the goalkeeper out, Raya is playing his part, just as he did against his former club.
It was a moment that the Spain international might’ve needed deep down, amid a questionable run of form.
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