David Raya's clean sheet in Arsenal's 3-0 win over Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon has seen the Spain international secure the Premier League Golden Glove award for the 2023-24 campaign.
The shutout was the 28-year-old's 15th in the Premier League this season, and he now cannot be caught, with Everton's Jordan Pickford second on the list with 12 clean sheets, but the Toffees only have two games left.
There were eyebrows raised when Arsenal signed Raya on loan from Brentford last summer, with the Spaniard brought in as competition for Aaron Ramsdale.
Raya initially started on the bench after his arrival, but he was given the nod between the sticks against Everton in the middle of September and has since been the number one ahead of Ramsdale.
A strong campaign has seen the goalkeeper keep 15 Premier League clean sheets in 30 matches, and he will now be looking to secure two more against Manchester United and Everton before the end of the season.
© Reuters
Mikel Arteta hails David Raya for securing Golden Glove
Raya had a nervy moment during Saturday's clash with Bournemouth, when he was challenged by Dominic Solanke, with the ball ending up in the Arsenal net.
However, Solanke was penalised for a foul on the goalkeeper, with the referee's on-field decision confirmed by VAR following a lengthy check.
"I'm really pleased. It's a huge success for the team, in this league to achieve that with a few games to go still, with the numbers we are producing," Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told reporters during his post-match press conference when questioned on the award.
"It gives us a huge foundation, to be closer to winning titles and winning trophies. The contribution of everybody, including David obviously, is really good."
Raya is only on loan at Arsenal from Brentford, but he is widely expected to move to the Emirates Stadium on a permanent basis when this summer's transfer window opens for business.
© Reuters
David Raya set to complete permanent move to Arsenal
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are expected to pay around £27m to sign Raya from Brentford this summer, with a deal 'verbally agreed between parties'.
Raya has 19 clean sheets in all competitions this season, having also produced four shut-outs in the Champions League, with the Gunners reaching the quarter-finals.
The victory over Bournemouth moved Arsenal four points clear of second-placed Manchester City at the top of the table, but the reigning champions now have two games in hand.
Ramsdale is widely expected to leave Arsenal this summer in search of regular action, with the Englishman not believed to be willing to be a number two again next season.
Chelsea and Newcastle United are among the clubs to be linked with Ramsdale, who is said to be valued by Arsenal in the region of £60m.
No Data Analysis info
