Ian Wright has expressed concern over David Raya’s approach to saving penalties, suggesting that the Arsenal goalkeeper’s technique may be making it easier for opponents to convert their spot kicks.
Raya has delivered several outstanding performances since joining Arsenal, earning recognition as one of the top goalkeepers in world football. His form has been instrumental in the club’s strong pursuit of major honours this season, and many supporters now view Mikel Arteta’s decision to install him as the first-choice goalkeeper ahead of Aaron Ramsdale as fully justified.
The Spanish shot-stopper has produced a number of impressive saves in open play, reinforcing his position as a key figure in the team. However, his penalty-saving ability remains a clear weakness. Over the course of his career, and particularly in recent appearances, there has been little evidence of improvement in this area.
In Arsenal’s recent fixture against Everton, Raya was unable to stop a penalty taken by Iliman Ndiaye, once again highlighting this vulnerability. According to Wright, Raya’s technique may be contributing to his struggles. As reported by Metro Sport, Wright commented:
“I saw something the other day with David Raya on the penalties. He seems to be taking this massive leap to one side, which is almost giving the penalty taker so much time to say, ‘well, he’s definitely going that way’. I’ve seen penalties being taken against him recently where he’s continually going the wrong way.”
While his performance from the spot may leave room for improvement, it is important to recognise that saving penalties is not typically the defining skill of a top goalkeeper. There are very few, if any, keepers who consistently excel in this area. Raya’s overall contributions to the team continue to justify his place in the starting line-up, and his presence remains vital to Arsenal’s ambitions this season. Nonetheless, refining his penalty-saving technique could further strengthen his standing as a top-class goalkeeper.
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The Big one that got away was Martinez, didn’t even realize he was at Arsenal that long before he left.
Looking back at a certain goalie that won the league for the old Trafford outfit
Outstanding goal keepers are rare
In Raya’s defence, he has to make a decision to go one way or the other. The key I believe is understanding the most likely timing, technique, and tendencies of each individual taker so that he can have the most available time to make the best decision. His coaches should be helping him (which appears to be taking place) with the data and preparation beforehand. All this being the case, it’s still much more likely than not that the taker is going to score, especially against us this season, lol.
he is going a little too early which gives shooters time to adjust their shot. Might be a timing thing or because of his height he jumps a little early to be able to over the full length of one side.
He is going a little early. This will almost certainly be more of an issue in regular games as he will normally be up against expert penalty takers who would have studied his tendencies.
He isn’t a big goalkeeper. All good penalty stoppers are tall with long arms. They make the goal look small. Raya can not do that. I think also yesterday, he dived that early, the ref hadn’t blown his whistle😁
Reggie,
Where penalty’s are concerned I think Raya is absolutely terrible. Against Everton he didn’t just dive the wrong way, he dived beyond the right post.
Now I’m no goal keeper. But if I was and I had to try to save a penalty, I wouldn’t look at the taker, I wouldn’t look at his feet or his stuttering run up, I would have my eyes firmly on the ball. And I wouldn’t move until his foot connected with it, then I decide which way I’d dive. If he scores then so be it, but I think I would have a better chance of saving it my way none the less.
There is more chance a penalty will be scored than saved. BUT the goalkeeper can do lots to make the taker wary. Raya, isn’t great at the pre penalty time. And he looks tiny in his goal.