\n<\/p>\n
Given Arsenal’s defensive record this season it is interesting that the bulk of this piece so far has been about Raya’s influence outside his shot-stopping.<\/p>\n
Arsenal have conceded just 10 goals in 16 games, the least in the Premier League, with Raya boasting the joint most clean sheets with eight. <\/p>\n
As a result, you’d assume Raya’s shot-stopping mirrors his impressive on-the-ball quality.<\/p>\n
According to the data however, Raya has let in 1.42 goals more than expected at this point of the season.<\/p>\n
Does this take away from how good Raya is as a keeper? <\/p>\n
Elite shot-stoppers are often the difference between a team winning and losing in a one-off game. <\/p>\n
Following Arsenal’s defeat by Paris-St Germain in the Champions League last season, Arteta spoke about Donnarumma’s heroics for the French champions.<\/p>\n
“We have two of our front players one v one with Donnarumma, if they score, it’s different,” said the Spaniard. <\/p>\n
“He made the saves like he did against Liverpool and Villa and that’s the difference in the Champions League, the margins are so small.’<\/p>\n
Raya doesn’t give Arsenal this specific quality but, despite this, Arsenal are able to maintain impressive numbers because of their defensive structure and the level of control they exert. <\/p>\n
Ultimately, Arsenal concede few by preventing chances and shots from occurring in the first place through the many factors we have highlighted above.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n