Arsenal midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has declared teammate David Raya is 'definitely' the best goalkeeper in the world following the Spaniard's decisive performance in the Gunners' 2-0 Premier League victory at Sunderland on September 12, 2026.
The win at the Stadium of Light maintained Arsenal's perfect start to the season, with four wins from four matches. However, that record was threatened early in the second half when Sunderland were awarded a penalty after Ezri Konsa fouled Daniel Ballard.
Enzo Le Fee stepped up and struck a low, hard shot towards the corner, but Raya sprang across his line magnificently to push the effort onto the post and out. The save proved pivotal, as two minutes later Guimaraes curled a stunning strike from range to put the visitors ahead.
Raya's heroics spark Arsenal turnaround
Raya's penalty stop came at a crucial moment, with Sunderland 'clicking into gear' and pushing for an opener. The save shifted momentum, and Guimaraes' goal followed almost immediately. Raya then made further brave saves as Sunderland pressed for an equaliser before Bukayo Saka sealed the victory with a penalty in injury time.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Guimaraes was asked if Raya is the best goalkeeper in the world. The former Newcastle United captain replied promptly: 'Yes, definitely.'
'He made some very good saves that kept us in the game. Unbelievable moment to save that penalty and I think after that we had confidence to play forward and we scored a goal. But yeah, everything because of this guy he is unbelievable.'
Clean sheet record and team confidence
Raya has now kept clean sheets in four of Arsenal's five matches this season, including the Community Shield victory over Manchester City in August. His performance against Sunderland was described as 'heroics' that 'sparked Arsenal into life'.
The goalkeeper himself acknowledged the significance of the moment. 'It's a big moment, especially away from home,' Raya said. 'For the players and the team to have that faith and keep going and win the game, two minutes after we score.'
'Even if we conceded a goal, we had the faith to get back in the game. It's important to keep the clean sheet because it helps us win games.'
Impact on Arsenal's title push
The victory extends Arsenal's 100 per cent start to the Premier League season, keeping them top of the table with maximum points from four games. Raya's penalty save and subsequent stops were instrumental in preserving the winning run, with Guimaraes crediting the goalkeeper for the team's renewed confidence after the save.
Arsenal will look to continue their perfect start when they return to Premier League action, with Raya's form providing a solid foundation for the team's ambitions this season.
