Jamie Carragher has praised Arsenal's 'brave' decision to upgrade their goalkeeping department, hailing David Raya as the 'best goalkeeper in the Premier League.' The former Liverpool defender believes the move to replace Aaron Ramsdale was a bold but necessary step for the Gunners to challenge for the title.
Raya's Impact at Arsenal
Since joining initially on loan from Brentford in 2023, Raya has been ever-present in the league, playing every minute of all 36 matches. His consistent performances have solidified Arsenal's defense, with the Spaniard making crucial saves, including one against West Ham's Mateus Fernandes to secure a vital 1-0 win. That result restored Arsenal's five-point lead at the top of the table, keeping their double hopes alive.
Raya's debut season saw him named in the PFA Team of the Year and win the Golden Glove, despite Arsenal finishing second to Manchester City. He shared the award last season with Nottingham Forest's Matz Sels. This campaign, with 18 clean sheets, he is on track for a third consecutive Golden Glove, leading Gianluigi Donnarumma by four clean sheets with three games remaining.
Carragher's Analysis
Speaking on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, Carragher said: 'It's not just this season; it's the call to bring him in. It wasn't universally popular when the change was made. I was probably quite adamant at the time that Arsenal needed to move on from Aaron Ramsdale. He was a good Premier League goalkeeper, but I just didn't think they could win the league with him in goal. Now it remains to be seen if Raya is that guy, but it was a brave decision.'
Carragher credited former Brentford goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana, who moved to Arsenal, for providing insight into Raya's abilities. 'He's been a revelation,' Carragher added. 'A couple of months ago, we debated which goalkeeper you'd want to win the league: Donnarumma or Raya? He's certainly won that battle. He's the best goalkeeper in the Premier League and definitely one of the best in the world. He could certainly have that mantle.'
Title Predictions
Carragher believes Arsenal are now poised to end their 22-year title drought. 'I said before the weekend that it felt like the biggest game of the season because it affected four teams. There was big controversy at the end, but I said last week that if Arsenal win at West Ham, they win the league. I think they've got a great chance.'
He acknowledged that Arsenal fans may still fear a slip-up, but added: 'They've got a really favourable fixture next, Burnley at home, and then a game away at Crystal Palace. I'm staying with my prediction; I think they'll win the league now. They've just got over that little wobble, and since then they've been really impressive. Not always in terms of performance, but they haven't looked nervous or edgy.'
Arsenal's next matches are against Burnley at the Emirates and Crystal Palace away, as they aim to secure their first Premier League title since 2004.
