🚨BREAKING NEWS:‼️ “He’s one of the best pieces of business Arsenal have ever done, better than Everyone, and right now only pep past players compares to him in the Premier League!” — Jamie Carragher names the ONE Arsenal signing he calls world-class after Olympiakos win
Jamie Carragher has described David Raya as “one of Arsenal’s smartest signings” after the goalkeeper played a crucial role in the team’s 2-0 Champions League win over Olympiakos.
Arsenal secured their third straight group-stage victory with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, but it was Raya’s sharp reflex save to deny Daniel Podence in the first half that kept their clean sheet intact. Olympiakos also had a goal ruled out for offside before Saka’s stoppage-time strike sealed the result.
The north London club have now recorded six clean sheets across all competitions this season, with Raya once again impressing at the back.
While defenders William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães have earned plenty of recognition in recent years, Carragher argued that Raya’s arrival has been just as important to Arsenal’s defensive improvement under Mikel Arteta.
Speaking on CBS Sports, the former Liverpool defender praised Raya as a significant upgrade on Aaron Ramsdale.
“The save from Raya was outstanding. I think he’s a brilliant goalkeeper. This has been one of Arsenal’s best bits of business. For me, it’s between Raya and Alisson for the best goalkeeper in the Premier League—he’s certainly among the best in the world, and the clean sheets prove it.”
Arteta also credited Raya’s first-half stop as a turning point.
“I’m very happy with the win and the clean sheet against a very tough opponent. We started well and created chances, but when you don’t take them, the game can become tricky. We needed a big save from David at a key moment. After playing just three days ago in a tough match at Newcastle, I have to give full credit to the players for their performance.”
The Arsenal manager also highlighted the impact of his substitutes in the second half, pointing to the squad’s growing depth.
“The players that came on—Declan [Rice], Eze, Bukayo, Mosquera, Jurrien [Timber]—they all gave us fresh energy and a different dimension when the game was still open. It shows how much competition we have and how every player is ready to contribute.”
