Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya makes a save on Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has won widespread praise for a world-class save for the Gunners against Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh this afternoon.
With the score at 2-1 against Arsenal, Raya showed his worth by putting his finger on a superb shot from Minteh which surely looked like it was heading towards the back of the net.
Watch former Arsenal player turned pundit Paul Merson absolutely delighted with the Spanish goalkeeper’s save below, describing it as ‘incredible’ and ‘magnificent’…
“AMAZING!”
David Raya keeps Arsenal’s lead intact with fantastic save?? pic.twitter.com/pDn768owiL
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 27, 2025
Raya clearly produced something very special at a key moment in the match, with Arsenal not entirely comfortable at home to Brighton.
David Raya save makes difference as Arsenal win and return to Premier League summit
In the end, Raya’s save was crucial for Arsenal as they just held on to all three points with a 2-1 win over Brighton.
Manchester City were briefly in the lead after beating Nottingham Forest from the kick-off, but Mikel Arteta’s side responded with another victory to regain top spot.
It might not have been a vintage performance from Arsenal, but they did enough, and that’s why Arteta signed such a high-level goalkeeper in Raya.
The former Brentford man has proven a major improvement over his predecessor Aaron Ramsdale, and if this title race remains as close as it currently appears, then this save could prove to be one of the most important moments of the season.
Martin Odegaard scored in the first half for Arsenal, who then doubled their lead through a Georginio Rutter own goal.
Brighton pulled one back and it looked in all likelihood they were about to steal a point but for Raya’s heroics.
