Schmeichel credits Raya as key to Arsenal's Premier League title

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 12:32 · Archive

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel says Arsenal would not have won the Premier League without goalkeeper David Raya.

Peter Schmeichel, a former Manchester United goalkeeper, told The Overlap that David Raya was essential to Arsenal winning the Premier League title last season. 'If you had not been in that goal, you would have been nowhere near the championship,' Schmeichel said of the Spanish keeper. 'I absolutely mean that, because he came up with all the important saves.'

Schmeichel initially questioned Arteta's decision to bring in Raya to replace Aaron Ramsdale, who had been Arsenal's first-choice goalkeeper for several seasons. Schmeichel felt Ramsdale 'did really well' and liked his aggression. However, he now accepts that the move proved successful.

Arsenal finished seven points above Manchester City last season and conceded just 27 goals across the 38-game campaign. Raya, a three-time Premier League Golden Glove winner, has been central to the Gunners' success since joining in 2024. Arsenal have made a strong start to their title defence, winning six of their opening seven games and conceding just five goals, the fewest in the division.

How it is being reported

• Mikel Arteta praised for 'surprise' Arsenal decision that 'won them Premier League title'Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta copped criticism when he signed David Raya to replace Aaron Ramsdale, but Peter Schmeichel admits he's been hugely impressed by the SpaniardMirror Sport · 20 Oct, 12:21
• Peter Schmeichel says Arsenal would be ‘nowhere near the title’ without £27m signingFormer Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel (Picture: Getty) Peter Schmeichel says Arsenal would have been ‘nowhere near the Premier League title’ without David Raya . Mikel Arteta guided Arsenal to their first Premier League title since 2004 last season, with the Gunners finishing seven…Metro · 19 Oct, 20:19

In this story: Peter Schmeichel · David Raya · Arsenal · Mikel Arteta · Manchester United · Aaron Ramsdale · Manchester City · Premier League

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