Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has kept the most clean sheets in EPL 2023/24, but can he defend his crown in the 2024/25 season?
The Spanish international has kept 16 clean sheets in total, winning him the Premier League's Golden Glove award for the first time. It is no surprise that Arsenal made his loan deal from Brentford a permanent one in this summer transfer window.
How did Raya win the Golden Glove? We have taken a look back at some pivotal games that helped him on his way…
Most clean sheets in EPL 2023/24: Which games were pivotal for Raya?
17th September 2023 – Everton 0-1 Arsenal
This was Raya's first Premier League game as an Arsenal goalkeeper, with a lot of pressure on him after coming in for Aaron Ramsdale. He managed to keep a clean sheet against a resolute Everton side, with England number one Jordan Pickford keeping plenty of clean sheets himself last season.
8th October 2023 – Arsenal 1-0 Manchester City
Arsenal ended a long winless run against Manchester City with a 1-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium back in October, reminding the reigning champions that they could push them all the way in the title race again. Raya kept a clean sheet as the Gunners held on to a confidence-boosting win.
20th January 2024 – Arsenal 5-0 Crystal Palace
After a run of three matches without a win – the longest that they had in the Premier League last season – Arsenal needed to get back to winning ways quickly with the potential title slipping away from their fingers. Raya kept a clean sheet in a dominant performance at home to Crystal Palace.
31st March 2024 – Manchester City 0-0 Arsenal
Nobody had kept a clean sheet at the Etihad Stadium in over two years in the Premier League prior to this clash, and Raya managed to do just that. The draw kept Arsenal ahead of their title rivals in the table, but an unfortunate 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa just a few weeks later handed City the advantage.
12th May 2024 – Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
Arsenal knew that anything other than a win at Old Trafford – notoriously a difficult ground for the Gunners – would hand City the title. A clean sheet from Raya helped secure victory and take their title race with City to the final day of the season.
Can Raya defend his crown?
The short answer is yes, as Arsenal conceded the fewest goals last season and have strengthened their backline further with the signing of Italy international defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna. However, retaining the Golden Glove is not an easy feat in the Premier League.
Indeed, only three goalkeepers have won the Golden Glove in two consecutive Premier League campaigns – Pepe Reina (Liverpool – 2005-08), Joe Hart (Manchester City – 2010-13), and Ederson (Manchester City – 2019-21). However, Raya has proven himself as a top goalkeeper, and retaining his crown is certainly possible.
