Arsenal have had some excellent goalkeepers throughout their distinguished history.
While the likes of Alex Runarsson and Vito Mannone have represented the red and white in recent years, the number one shirt has generally been worn by a safe pair of hands in N5.
David Raya is currently viewed as one of the best in the world, and he’s not the only Gunners shot-stopper to be brandished with this label in the past.
Taking into consideration a number of factors, such as honours, appearances, clean sheets and general performance levels, here are Arsenal’s top five goalkeepers in the club’s history.
5 – David Raya (2023 – Present)
While Raya hasn’t been at the North London club for long, he’s already established himself as one of the best that has stood in between the sticks for Arsenal.
Signed from Brentford in the summer of 2023, it took the Spaniard some time to settle, as he attempted to shake off the question marks that arose after displacing fan favourite Aaron Ramsdale.
However, he’s certainly managed to do so, keeping an astounding 16 clean sheets in 32 Premier League appearances in his debut campaign in Islington.
Raya won the golden glove for this, and he’s only kicked on this season, taking his game to new levels.
Boasting an outstanding ability to claim crosses and possessing exceptional ball-playing skills, he merely needs a piece of silverware or two to attain a higher placing on this list.
4 – Jack Kelsey (1943-1963)
Not a name that will be familiar to all Arsenal fans, Jack Kelsey is undoubtedly one of the club’s most decorated goalkeepers.
Making 352 appearances for the Gunners between 1949 and 1963, the Welshman won the First Division title, the FA Cup and the Community Shield throughout his illustrious spell at Highbury.
Kelsey was known to have been one of the first goalkeepers to welcome the concept of sweeping up, innovating the role of the number one by rushing out of his goal to put out fires.
It’s also widely reported that he would rub chewing gum on his hands prior to matches to improve his grip, with these modern methods of attempting to maximise his game clear indications that he deserves a place in this conversation.
3 – Jens Lehmann (2003-2008)
The goalkeeper for the most successful and historic season in Arsenal’s history, Jens Lehmann has a place in the club’s hall of fame for eternity.
The German amassed 199 appearances for the Gunners over just five seasons, and was the bedrock for Arsene Wenger’s team’s invincibles campaign.
Conceding just 26 goals and keeping 15 clean sheets in 2003/04, Lehmann’s exceptional shot-stopping capabilities were remarkable and prevented Arsenal from losing a game that season on numerous occasions.
While the latter stages of his spell in N5 were marred by being sent off in the 2006 Champions League final and losing his place to Manuel Almunia, he’s certainly an time Arsenal hero.
2 – Pat Jennings (1977-1985)
Making the controversial move from North London rivals Tottenham in 1977 at the ripe old age of 32, having made 591 appearances for the Lillywhites, many thought Pat Jennings was past the peak of his powers.
This proved to be dramatically incorrect, as the Northern Irishman went on to make over 300 appearances for Arsenal, winning the 1978/79 FA Cup in the process.
Athletic and springy in his goal, Jennings is widely regarded as one of the best British keepers of all time, with his excellent reflexes carrying an often mediocre Arsenal side in the late 70s and early 80s.
Retiring as an Arsenal legend despite his ties to Tottenham, Jennings has a cult-hero status in Islington, that only Sol Campbell can resonate with.
1 – David Seaman (1990-2003)
Unsurprisingly taking the crown as Arsenal’s greatest goalkeeper, David Seaman has made more appearances for the club than any other number one, and won more trophies than any other.
Across his celebrated 13-year career at Highbury, the Englishman accumulated 564 appearances, whilst winning three league titles, four FA Cups, the League Cup, three Community Shields and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
His elasticity in between the sticks was eye-catching, and led to some astounding saves that have garnered iconic status in the Arsenal world.
Potentially producing the greatest save in the Gunners’ history, Seaman acrobatically clawed Paul Peschisolido’s header from a matter of yards out away from his goal in the FA Cup in 2003.
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