In a match that MU controlled most of the match, launched a series of dangerous brakes, none other than David Raya became a steel wall to help Arsenal stand firm. And when the whistle was full, the reward “Best Player of the Battle” belonged to the Spanish goalkeeper, a completely worthy recognition.
“Spider -Man” at the theater
Man United can be proud that they control most of the match on the opening day of the Premier League 2025/26. They launched many obvious opportunities, challenging the Arsenal defense in a row. But in the end, all stopped at the regretful heads, because in front of the Gunners's goal there was a wall called David Raya.
According to Sky Sports statistics, the Spanish goalkeeper has made 7 saves, more than any other colleague in the first round of the Premier League. That figure not only sketched out the excellence, but also proved to an unbelievably sublime evening of Raya.
In the first half, the audience at Old Trafford had to shout when Matheus Cunha launched a close shot, seemingly opening the score in the hands of MU. But only in a snap, Raya could close the corner, launching a miraculous reflexes to save. He himself after the match also admitted: “It was the most difficult ball. Cunha was very close and just a few inches from my legs.”
Not only Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo was also rejected by Raya. In particular, 5/7 of his saving phase came from situations in the penalty area, the “death” area where every smallest mistake had to pay. However, Raya remains calm, reasonably in and out, reading a sharp situation to keep the net.
According to statistics, Raya has saved at least 3 situations that could become a goal. Especially, the flight of MBeumo's 78th minute shot off, the moment was considered a turning point to retain the victory for the Gunners.
It is worth mentioning that Raya not only saved by reflexes. He also commanded the defense very well, constantly signing the position for Gabriel, Saliba and the defenders. Arsenal's gameplay is based on high control and pressing capabilities, which means that the goalkeeper must be ready to rise, ready to handle with his foot. Raya did it as if he had played in the Emirates for decades.
The champion's class
Many people have doubted Mikel Arteta's decision when eliminating Aaron Ramsdale, who was loved by fans, to put their trust in Raya. But each match passed, that choice became more reasonable. Raya brings a rare calm, a quality that Arteta believes that Arsenal needs if they want to win titles.
Interestingly, Raya is not a colorful goalkeeper model. He rarely celebrated passionately after the saving phases. Instead, Raya quickly stood up, shouting his teammates, focusing on the next situation. It is that “ice -cold” that makes a difference: the Arsenal defense is less trembling whenever the opponent increases the pressure.
Since joining Arsenal in 2023, Raya has improved continuously. In two seasons, he won the title of Premier League gold gloves, especially in the 2024/25 season, he had 13 clean sheets and 86 saves (66 times in the penalty area). Obviously, this is no longer a temporary “phenomenon” but a top -class goalkeeper.
There is a remarkable detail: Since Raya catches the main, Arsenal has continuously improved the defensive index. The number of goals decreased significantly, the number of conceded times in the second half (the time often occurred) is also small. This clearly reflects Raya's silent leader. He did not need to score, no need to appear on the cover, but he himself kept the trust of the Gunners in the journey to compete for the throne.
After the battle, Raya humbly acknowledged: “We made many mistakes when holding the ball. But the spirit, the fighting, the will of the whole team is the most important thing. We defended very well in the last 10-15 minutes and defended the victory.”
Coach Mikel Arteta will probably smile, because in the context of Arsenal starting the season with huge pressure, he can put all his faith in the final block. A brave, alert and ready to save in all dangerous situations. That is the “shield” for Arsenal to dream far away on the new journey.
When the attack still needs time to connect, the certainty from the wooden frame will be the fulcrum. And at Old Trafford, David Raya proved that he was not only a clean net goalkeeper, but also a true hero to bring Arsenal to overcome the first challenge.
Arteta all praised Raya
After the match, coach Mikel Arteta praised his goalkeeper. He said: “Raya had a great match. He showed concentration, bravery and a great fulcrum for the whole team. Arsenal need such moments from the goalkeeper to overcome the pressure in the most difficult fields.”
