A clash of titans is set to unfold in the Champions League quarterfinal between Arsenal and Bayern Munich.

Arsenal’s goalkeeper, David Raya, has been in exceptional form, but his ultimate test arrives in the form of a prolific Harry Kane, seeking to propel Bayern Munich past his former NLD rivals.

Arsenal's Spanish goalkeeper #22 David Raya gestures during the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Arsenal at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on April 6, 2024. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Spanish goalkeeper #22 David Raya gestures during the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Arsenal at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on April 6, 2024. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal‘s fortress-like defence has a reliable guardian: David Raya. The Spanish goalkeeper’s remarkable run of clean sheets continues, with his latest shutout against Brighton marking a historic milestone for both him and the club.

Not only did he become the first keeper in the Premier League to keep 10 cleansheets, Raya also became the first Spanish goalkeeper, and the first for Arsenal, to achieve five consecutive away clean sheets in the Premier League. His consistency is astonishing, with only three teams managing to score against him in Arsenal‘s last 10 matches across all competitions.

Arsenal‘s defensive prowess isn’t solely due to Raya. The partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães has created a formidable wall in front of him. But Raya’s saves, when called upon, have been crucial in maintaining their impressive defensive record.

Arsenal's Spanish goalkeeper #22 David Raya makes a save during the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Arsenal at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on April 6, 2024. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Spanish goalkeeper #22 David Raya makes a save during the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Arsenal at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on April 6, 2024. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Raya’s impenetrable form will face its greatest test yet as Arsenal prepare for their Champions League showdown against Bayern Munich. Harry Kane, Tottenham legend turned Bayern Munich striker, will be hungry to prove his worth when he returns to north London. Kane’s clinical diving and finishing poses a real threat to Raya’s clean sheet streak.

However, Raya’s heroics in the Round of 16 against Porto prove his ability to rise to the challenge. His penalty shootout saves were instrumental in Arsenal‘s progression to the quarterfinals. While facing Harry Kane is a daunting task, Raya has shown that he thrives under pressure.