In the 78th minute of the match between West Ham and Arsenal , Matheus Fernandes had a golden one-on-one opportunity, but his close-range shot was bravely saved by Raya. The Post pointed out that Raya made what could be described as Arsenal's most crucial save of the season. His wonderful performance this season is comparable to any of the world's top goalkeepers, and he is Arteta's trump card.
If VAR hadn't stolen the show again, this moment would have been the best moment of the match, which is not surprising. Before this match, which saw the most controversial VAR penalty in Premier League history, David Raya made what could be described as Arsenal's most crucial save of the season.
The Spanish goalkeeper has made countless incredible saves this season, and his wonderful performance is comparable to any of the world's top goalkeepers.
On March 1 against Chelsea, at a crucial moment with the score at 2-1, he leaned back and twisted in stoppage time, flying to push Garnacho's shot away from the far post, showing every inch of his physical talent. Arteta admitted after the match: "My heart almost stopped at that moment. It was Raya's save that pulled us back from the brink."
In the home game against Brighton last December, he also made a fantastic save, blocking Mint's curling shot and keeping the goal intact.
But these two wonderful performances are not as good as his save in the 78th minute. Paba made a clever through ball, Matheus Fernandes swayed past Gabriel's defense, and had a one-on-one opportunity with plenty of time to calmly choose the shooting angle.
If Arsenal finally win the league title, Raya's block will definitely become a classic moment on the road to the title. Arteta also greatly praised the Spanish goalkeeper, and his performance this season is crucial to the team.
The opponent had an excellent scoring opportunity, deliberately faking to mislead the goalkeeper and then pushing the shot to the near corner. Raya quickly fell to the ground and stretched his body, blocking the ball with his right leg. This save was top-notch, and it also perfectly explained the key to Arsenal being able to maintain their advantage in most games this season.
Even when the team is not in the best condition, Raya has stepped forward countless times, changing the course of the game with his own strength.
After this game, the controversy caused by VAR will naturally become a hot topic, but after the storm, people should not forget Raya's brilliant performance.
This clean sheet was also his 18th clean sheet of the season, thus achieving a three-peat for the Premier League Golden Glove award, matching the achievements of Reina, Ederson and Joe Hart. Declan Rice receives a lot of praise every week, which he deserves, and Raya deserves the same recognition.
If Arsenal regain the Premier League title after 22 years, Raya's contribution will definitely occupy a lot of space in the season review blockbuster. The value of this save lies in the context of the situation at the time, when the pressure on the field reached its peak. If Fernandes had scored, Arsenal's dream of winning the title would likely have been shattered.
And Raya withstood the pressure again and stabilized the situation. Having witnessed Kepa's poor performance in the League Cup final, Raya's stable attendance is now irreplaceable for Arsenal.
Arteta praised: "Speaking of magical moments on the field, this save is undoubtedly one of the most timely classics, it's incredible."
This game was crucial for Arsenal. Only by winning can they continue their hopes of winning the title, and the Premier League trophy in red silk also appeared on the sidelines.
If they fail to win all three points, the momentum of the title race will completely shift to Man City, and the Blue Moon may take the opportunity to reach the top and win the title.
Arsenal seemed to have reached a dead end, but Raya stepped forward again, guarding the team's chance of survival.
In the frontcourt attack, Trossard is also commendable. Arteta had already commented in January that he has been steadily improving every season, and his performance in this game perfectly confirms this.
But the biggest highlight of the game was still Raya.
He can now be called the best goalkeeper in the world, almost indisputably.
recadeknrz
19
imagine Spain making him #2 , what a joke 🤣,that guy is a monster between the sticks
lowcdenost
15
raya is he is the one sent to save the season for arsenal and that is what happened when God want to favor you
Duuaiopry
14
Must you guys bring your bias into every post. What do you mean he's playing like one of the best keepers in the world? Do you know anyone better this season. He's currently the world's best keeper and has been in that circle for 3 years now. Premier League golden glove for 3 consecutive years isn't a joke. Give credit where it's due.