‘One of the Best Pieces of Business’ – Arsenal Star David Raya Hailed as a ‘Real Upgrade’ After Champions League Win Over Olympiacos
Jamie Carragher has hailed Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya as “one of the best pieces of business” the club has done under Mikel Arteta, calling him a “real upgrade” on Aaron Ramsdale. The Spaniard’s stunning save in the first half proved crucial as Arsenal beat Olympiacos 2-0 on Wednesday to continue their perfect Champions League start with two wins in two.

‘One of the Best Pieces of Business’ – Arsenal Star David Raya Hailed as a ‘Real Upgrade’ After Champions League Win Over Olympiacos

Raya Impresses as Arsenal Continue Perfect UCL Start

On a crisp European night at the Emirates, Arsenal marched on with their perfect Champions League start, and at the heart of it all was the man Jamie Carragher now calls “one of the best pieces of business” in recent Premier League history.

David Raya, calm and composed in possession, sharp and decisive when called upon, proved his worth once again as the Gunners beat Olympiacos 2-0. Goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka will take the headlines, but those inside the stadium know the night may have turned out differently had it not been for Raya’s crucial intervention in the first half.

When Daniel Podence found space and looked certain to score, Raya’s reflexes denied him — the type of save that doesn’t make highlight reels for its flamboyance, but one that defines top-level goalkeepers. Arsenal didn’t just score twice; they stayed watertight. And it’s that blend of attack and resilience that leaves Mikel Arteta’s side top of their group with maximum points after two matches.

Jamie Carragher Full of Praise for Arsenal’s Raya

FBL-EUR-C1-ARSENAL-OLYMPIACOS

FBL-EUR-C1-ARSENAL-OLYMPIACOS

It wasn’t just Arsenal supporters who noticed. Jamie Carragher, never shy with his opinions, was effusive in his assessment on CBS Sports.

“The Raya save… listen, I think he’s a brilliant goalkeeper,” Carragher said. “This is one of the best pieces of business that Arsenal have done. He’s a real upgrade on Aaron Ramsdale. David Raya, for me, it’s between him and Alisson in the Premier League for the best goalkeeper. He’s certainly one of the best goalkeepers in the world and that’s why he keeps so many clean sheets.”

Carragher’s words cut to the heart of the debate that has simmered since Raya’s arrival. Was he really necessary? Could Ramsdale, who had been so central to Arsenal’s resurgence, be fairly displaced? For Carragher, and increasingly for Arteta and the Arsenal faithful, the answer is yes.

Raya doesn’t just save shots; he reshapes the way Arsenal build from the back. His distribution, his command, and his ability to remain unflustered under pressure have all elevated the Gunners’ defensive unit.

Arteta Makes ‘Big Save’ Praise Towards Raya

FBL-ENG-PR-NEWCASTLE-ARSENAL

FBL-ENG-PR-NEWCASTLE-ARSENAL

Arteta himself was quick to recognise the moment that swung momentum in Arsenal’s favour. “We started really well,” the Spaniard said post-match, “but we needed a big save when Olympiacos pushed forward. David gave us that.”

It was the type of acknowledgment managers reserve for game-changers. Strikers often get the plaudits for turning matches, but the reality is that clean sheets are built on trust. Trust in the back four, and trust — above all — in the man wearing the gloves.

Arteta has been consistent in his faith. Where some managers may have faltered under the scrutiny of dropping a popular figure like Ramsdale, Arteta doubled down. The gamble is paying off. Raya isn’t just a deputy; he’s firmly established as Arsenal’s No.1.

Raya’s Evolution and Arsenal’s Defensive Stability

It’s worth remembering that Raya’s path hasn’t been straightforward. From Brentford’s steady rise in the Premier League to suddenly standing under the brightest of lights in the Champions League, the leap is significant. But he has adapted seamlessly.

The Spaniard’s ability to marshal defenders, to turn possession into progression, has given Arsenal something extra. Against Olympiacos, his passing range forced the visitors to stretch themselves, creating gaps that Martinelli and Saka eagerly exploited.

In a season where clean sheets can make the difference between a group-stage exit and a run deep into Europe, Raya’s value can’t be overstated.

‘One of the Best Pieces of Business’ – What That Really Means

Carragher’s phrase — “one of the best pieces of business” — resonates beyond the transfer fee. This wasn’t just about bringing in another goalkeeper. It was about raising standards across the squad.

Ramsdale, by all accounts, has responded with professionalism, but Raya’s arrival sent a message: no one is guaranteed a spot. Arteta has always preached the importance of competition, and now he has it in the most scrutinised position of all.

Raya, with his calm authority, is not only an upgrade technically but also a psychological boost. Arsenal, often accused in past years of fragility, now project an aura of resilience. Clean sheets don’t just help the scoreboard; they build belief.

Raya and Arsenal to Face West Ham Next

There’s little time to bask in European success. The Premier League beckons, with a trip to West Ham looming. For Raya, it’s another test, another chance to show why Arteta has entrusted him with Arsenal’s long-term ambitions.

The clean sheets are becoming more than a pattern; they are a signature. His consistency allows Arteta to focus on tactical tweaks, safe in the knowledge that the last line of defence is secure.

And while Arsenal’s attacking stars will rightly command attention, Raya’s reliability may prove the foundation upon which this season’s campaign — both domestically and in Europe — is built.

Raya’s Place Among Europe’s Elite

The comparisons Carragher drew with Alisson are telling. Few goalkeepers in world football are viewed as the benchmark in both shot-stopping and distribution. That Raya is now part of that conversation is testament to his growth and his impact at Arsenal.

It’s not hyperbole to suggest that, in the coming years, Raya could redefine what it means to be a goalkeeper in the Premier League. His presence changes the angles, the confidence of his teammates, even the way opponents prepare.

Conclusion: A Real Upgrade for Arsenal’s Future

Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Olympiacos will be remembered as another step in their Champions League journey. But the subtext is clear: this is a team with balance, with depth, and with a goalkeeper who has quickly become indispensable.

David Raya may not always grab the headlines with spectacular diving stops, but his blend of technical skill and mental steel makes him exactly what Arsenal needed.

“One of the best pieces of business”? Absolutely. A “real upgrade”? Without question. And if Arsenal are to turn potential into silverware this season, the quiet authority of their Spanish No.1 could be the difference between celebration and regret.

Leave a Reply

There are no comments yet. Be the first to comment!