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David Raya tipped to create Premier League Golden Glove history in 2027 as former Arsenal goalkeeper weighs in on his clean-sheet dominance
Rohan Mehta | August 8, 2026 8:28 AM CST

David Raya, the king of clean sheets, is being tipped to make Premier League history in 2026-27, with former Arsenal goalkeeper Graham Stack explaining why the Gunners’ first-choice keeper is the leading contender to win a fourth straight Golden Glove. The Spain international has been setting the standard in that category while also landing a domestic title, and a place in the record books is now within reach.

Raya is a Premier League and World Cup winner.

Raya did not feature for Spain during their World Cup triumph in North America this summer, staying on the bench behind established No.1 Unai Simon, but he has built a reputation as the most dependable shot-stopper in English football.

Since joining Emirates Stadium, initially on loan, in 2023, the 30-year-old goalkeeper has taken his performances to another level. He is now a Premier League champion and the clear No.1 in Mikel Arteta’s plans.

Only two players have won four Premier League Golden Gloves.

Raya has collected the Golden Glove in each of the last three seasons, recording 48 clean sheets in that period. Only two men - Petr Cech and Joe Hart - have claimed that award four times, and no one has ever managed to do it in consecutive seasons.

There is every reason to believe Raya can become the first to achieve that in the Premier League, especially with Arsenal’s solid defensive unit still in place. Players such as William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber have, at times, looked almost impossible to break down.

Can Arsenal goalkeeper Raya make Premier League history?

Asked whether Raya can make history in 2027 by winning another major goalkeeping honour, ‘Invincibles’ squad member Stack - speaking exclusively, courtesy of Haypp - said: “I would not rule it out, I really wouldn't.

“Look, clean sheets, having been a goalkeeper myself, it's not solely down to the individual as a goalkeeper. Everyone's going to play a key part in that. Defending set plays, how your team is set up, out of possession, defending crosses from wide areas, having defenders and players that want to put their body on the line, block crosses, stop shots. And I think that is Arsenal's make-up, which I think is why Raya has had so many clean sheets.

“On top of that, obviously, his performances individually have been absolutely standout. But the thing as well with Raya, he plays with risk. He does put himself under pressure and he does give himself opportunities to make mistakes because of the way he plays. Because he plays on the edge, he plays with risk, he plays passes that other goalkeepers would probably turn down because they've got belief and confidence, not only in themselves but in who they're giving the ball to. I think he has to take a lot of credit for that.

“Some goalies probably have the mindset or the mentality of keep the ball as far away from my goal as possible and it gives me more chance of not conceding. But in Raya’s case, he's desperate to get on the ball and make things happen from deep. And I think that's something that he has got above everyone else in the Premier League in terms of his ability to build from the back and create.

“For a goalkeeper, I think that's very, very special and I wouldn't rule him out winning the fourth.”

Arsenal fixtures 2026-27: more silverware on offer.

After being part of Spain’s World Cup celebrations, Raya is set to rejoin the squad in north London shortly. He is likely to be rested and gradually brought back as the Gunners finish their friendly programme and then face Manchester City in the Community Shield.

He should, however, return in goal - with Kepa Arrizabalaga going back to back-up duties - when Arsenal begin the defence of their Premier League crown and kick off the 2026-27 season on August 21 against Frank Lampard’s Coventry.


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