Declan Rice believes David Raya has reached the “next level” this season, as Arsenal head into Sunday’s Premier League showdown against Manchester City full of confidence after another clean sheet. Arsenal began their Champions League campaign with a goalless draw against Atalanta on Thursday, largely thanks to a heroic double save from Raya.
The Spanish goalkeeper kept out Mateo Retegui’s second-half penalty and the ensuing follow-up header, earning high praise from both his teammates and manager Mikel Arteta, who described the saves as some of the best he has seen. Raya, who joined Arsenal from Brentford for £27 million this summer after an impressive loan spell, has now kept four clean sheets in his first five games this season.
“We are delighted with another clean sheet. I think the two centre-halves (William Saliba and Gabriel), I can’t speak highly enough of them,” Rice said after the match. “The keeper has gone to the next level—unbelievable. They live the game in the right way. They love defending.”
Raya’s calm demeanor has impressed Rice, particularly with how he handled the pressure of becoming Arsenal’s No. 1 goalkeeper. “He hasn’t changed one bit, even when Rammers (Aaron Ramsdale) came out and he came into the team. He didn’t change his mannerisms or the way he was,” Rice said. “He is really focused and that is three games this season he has made crucial saves. He is doing everything right.”
Arsenal now turn their focus to their clash with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. The Gunners, just two points behind City in the Premier League table, are full of belief despite the absence of injured captain Martin Odegaard. Arsenal’s defense, which has conceded just one goal in five games, has been a cornerstone of their strong start to the season.
Rice emphasized the importance of the team’s defensive solidity, especially ahead of such a high-stakes match. “When you have got a solid base and a solid group like we’ve got, I think all 11 on the pitch—whether you are not a regular starter, whether you start all the time—everyone knows the objective going into the game,” Rice said. “You can see that we are digging with each other until the end. That is going to be needed at the Etihad on Sunday.”
Reflecting on City’s recent performance against Inter Milan, Rice acknowledged the difficulty of playing at the Etihad. “Teams don’t want to go there and sit in—but they are that good at keeping the ball, sometimes they sink you back,” he said. “Sometimes you are just sat in there, not wanting to be, but you have to be so switched on and 100 percent committed because they can hurt you at any time.”
Rice concluded by stressing the importance of Sunday’s match for Arsenal’s season. “Last year there were a few chances that we could have done better with there, but the manager has just said that we want to go there this time to win, and it’s crucial for our season.”