Patrick Vieira picks surprising Arsenal man for Player of the Season

Patrick Vieira believes Arsenal’s David Raya should be named the Premier League’s Player of the Season, with the goalkeeper receiving the Golden Glove on Monday night.

David Raya of Arsenal celebrates the first arsenal goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Burnley at Emirates Stadium on May 18, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) — Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Amid plenty of debate about the potential Premier League Player of the Season winner, Patrick Vieira has put David Raya’s name forward as his favoured option.

“David Raya, for me, has to be the Player of the Season,” Vieira told Sky Sports. “I think he was outstanding from the first game until the end of the season, I think he was really impressive.

“He made some really important saves, he won points for Arsenal. For me, I don’t see any other players who were quite outstanding.

“We’re always going for those forward or creative players, why not a defender, and why not a goalkeeper? I think David, for me, will have my vote.”

David Raya of Arsenal waves to the fans after the team's victory in the Premier League match between Arsenal and Burnley at Emirates Stadium on May 18, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) — Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Raya received his Golden Glove award on Monday night, having already guaranteed at least a share of the award on May 4th. The goalkeeper has since kept further clean sheets, reaching 19 in the league with his shutout against Burnley.

The 30-year-old has now equalled Arsenal’s best-ever tally for clean sheets in a Premier League season, set by David Seaman in 1993/94 and 1998/99.

One more clean sheet on Sunday would see the Spaniard breaking that record and setting a new one.

David Raya of Arsenal makes a save from Mateus Fernandes of West Ham United during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal at London Stadium on May 10, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) — Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Whether Raya keeps another clean sheet or not, Arsenal are a long way ahead of any of their competitors on that front.

The Gunners have kept 32 clean sheets in all competitions this season (28 for Raya, four for Kepa), and OptaJoe reports that that’s six more than any other side in Europe’s big-five leagues.

It’s been a good season, and two more clean sheets would ensure it becomes a great one.

Arsenal sign Christos Tzolis
Christos Tzolis arrives in north London after a great season, having previously made no secret of where he wanted to play. Arsenal have completed the signing of Christos Tzolis, with the 24-year-old winger arriving for a fee believed to be in the region of €40 million after an outstanding season in Belgium. About the signing,…
Arsenal receive formal offer for 26yo midfielder
Hamburg have confirmed they have made Arsenal an offer for Fabio Vieira, but acknowledge the Premier League champions may decide to wait.
Ex-Gunner finds new club in Mexico
Former Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina has signed for Mexican side Atlante FC after leaving Atletico Nacional as a free agent at the age of 37.
Liverpool’s deception in Arsenal’s £40m +£1 Suarez bid
Arsenal’s £40,000,001 bid for Luis Suarez became a punchline, but Liverpool later admitted a key contract detail that is often overlooked.
Arsenal confirm William Saliba injury update
Arsenal have confirmed William Saliba will not undergo surgery, but the defender faces an extended spell out after specialist assessment of his back injury.