David Raya's Erratic Goalkeeping is a Key Reason For Arsenal's Failings

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Crispin Leyser | Last updated May 3, 2025 9:12 PM ET

A David Raya error led to Bournemouth claiming all three points in the EPL today. It was an inconsequential match but indicative of Arsenal's Season.

As we near the end of the campaign, journalists will start rolling out their “team of the season” picks. There’s competition in almost every position.

Pick two center backs out of Gabriel, Saliba, Van Dijk and Milenkovic. Perm three forwards out of Salah, Isak, Haaland, Saka, Palmer, Mbuemo and Cunha. Arguments are sure to ensue.

But there’s one selection that will be unanimous. Alisson Becker is the best goalkeeper in the English Premier League and a huge reason Liverpool won it.

Liverpool have won 9 EPL games by a single goal as well as drawing 7 games. In many of these games they have been indebted to Alisson. He is the best in the world at one-on-one situations, saving Liverpool countless times.

Arsenal have drawn 13 games this season, dropping 26 points in the process. Nothing sums up David Raya’s ability to make astonishing saves…and baffling mistakes more than this moment against Brentford.

Not only did Raya fumble the ball into the net for Bournemouth’s winner today but he also presented Evanilson a chance earlier in the game with a poor pass. Not for the first time.

Goalkeepers are the unsung heroes of a successful team. It's really hard to win a 38-game league without a great one. Schmeichel at Manchester United; Ederson at Manchester City; Alisson at Liverpool.

Spurs were 5th in the table when they lost their keeper Vicario to injury; Sanchez has been inconsistent at Chelsea...like the team; Pep has rotated his goalkeepers at Manchester City; Newcastle have been noticeably more solid since Pope returned from injury.

Statistics can be a misleading when measuring goalkeepers. Just look at the “most saves” table of the 2024/25 season. Making multiple saves can just be a sign of a bad team that concedes too many chances.

The main takeaway from the above is how vital Mark Flekken and Matz Sels have been for the overachievement of their respective clubs.

Ominously, Liverpool are the one's to have recognized the necessity of a great goalkeeper and have already signed the future replacement for Alisson, Valencia's Georgia International Giorgi Mamardashvili.

In fact perhaps one of the hottest transfer targets this season will be Liverpool's current reserve goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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