2nd Arsenal star wins Player of the Matchweek award

David Raya has won the Premier League Player of the Matchweek award, marking the second time in a row that an Arsenal player has received the accolade.

David Raya of Arsenal celebrates during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Arsenal FC and Coventry City at Emirates Stadium on August 21, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) — Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Following Martin Odegaard’s success last week, David Raya has been named the Premier League’s Player of the Matchweek for his performance for Arsenal against Sunderland at the weekend.

Raya made what was probably the save of the weekend to deny Enzo Le Fee from the penalty spot, and he backed up that save with his usual strengths in making high claims and distributing the ball effectively.

The Premier League highlight the goalkeeper’s “outstanding penalty save”, “calming presence”, and “brilliant distribution” against Sunderland, revealing that Raya received 26% of the popular vote. That saw him edge out Hull City’s Mohamed Belloumi, who received 23%.

David Raya of Arsenal celebrates after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on September 06, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) — Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Raya was also named in Alan Shearer’s Premier League Team of the Week, with the former Newcastle United striker also picking Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa for his team.

The Arsenal goalkeeper missed out on the BBC and WhoScored Teams of the Week, but the fans clearly didn’t agree with Troy Deeney or the stats guys on this occasion.

As mentioned, Odegaard won the Player of the Matchweek poll last week, earning 31% of the vote for his starring role against Chelsea.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 06: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on September 06, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) — Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Raya last won the Player of the Matchweek award back in May, when Arsenal kept a clean sheet away to West Ham to put the Gunners on the verge of the Premier League title.

That vote made him the first goalkeeper of the season to win the award, and the same is true again in 2026/27.

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

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