Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has praised the extraordinary depth of Mikel Arteta’s squad and believes it can propel the club toward success in multiple competitions this season.
The Spanish shot-stopper was full of admiration for the competitive spirit within the team following Arsenal’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Atlético Madrid on Tuesday night.
That win marked Arsenal’s sixth consecutive triumph across all competitions and their tenth victory in just 12 matches this season.
The Gunners have been almost flawless in both domestic and European competition, leading the Premier League by a single point and maintaining a perfect record in the Champions League group stage.
What has stood out most, however, is Arsenal’s defensive solidity. They have conceded only three goals all season, the fewest in the club’s history at this stage of a campaign.
Raya said the team’s recent performances were a reflection of their intense internal competition and the high standards set by Arteta and his coaching staff.
“Yes, I think so,” Raya told The Daily National News when asked if Arsenal could compete for several trophies. “The depth of the squad is incredible. We have a lot of players who can play in two, three, or even four different positions.”
He praised the tactical flexibility of players like Mikel Merino, who came off the bench against Atlético to play in an unfamiliar forward role.
“Like against Atlético, Merino came on as a striker, and he can play as a number 8 or a number 10. That’s the variety the boss has, and he’s using it to our advantage,” Raya explained.
“It’s looking very, very good, and that depth is so important for us as we compete on different fronts.”
Raya has started all but one of Arsenal’s matches this season, with his only rest coming in the Carabao Cup victory over Port Vale.
Arteta has rotated his squad regularly after a busy summer that saw the club spend over £250 million on new signings.
The goalkeeper believes that competition for places has raised performance levels throughout the team.
“That gives you an extra level in training and in games,” Raya said. “If you’re not at it every day, you can lose your spot in a fraction of a second.”
He added that the fierce competition has created an atmosphere of accountability that keeps everyone focused and driven.
“That competitiveness in training and in games is really, really important, and everybody is on board with that,” he said.
Raya’s arrival has coincided with a significant improvement in Arsenal’s defensive record. The team has conceded only one goal from open play this season.
In their last three matches against Atlético Madrid, Fulham, and West Ham, Arsenal’s opponents have managed just a single shot on target.
Raya credited the team’s collective effort for their defensive strength, insisting that every player contributes to keeping clean sheets.
“It’s a collective effort from the striker to the goalie,” Raya said. “Everyone is on it. Nobody wants to give anything away.”
He explained that Arsenal’s pressing and work rate have made it difficult for opponents to build attacks or create chances.
“Everyone wants to intercept that ball before it even gets to the halfway line,” he said. “That allows us to counter quickly and stay in control.”
The goalkeeper praised Arteta’s attention to detail and tactical approach, describing him as a perfectionist who demands excellence from every player.
“Arteta is meticulous,” Raya said. “He wants everything done the right way, and that attitude spreads through the team.”
As Arsenal continue their impressive run, Raya believes their squad depth will be crucial in maintaining momentum through a long and demanding season.
With Arsenal challenging in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup, the Spanish international says the club’s strength in numbers gives them a real chance to win multiple titles.
“We know what we are capable of,” Raya said. “If we keep working together and pushing each other, we can achieve something very special this season.”
