Carragher Hails Raya as Arsenal’s Best Business After Olympiacos Win
When Arsenal walked off the pitch in Greece after a 2-0 victory over Olympiacos, there was a strong sense that something significant had been confirmed. Not only did the win extend their perfect start in the Champions League group stage, but it also reinforced just how impactful David Raya has been since stepping in as Arsenal’s number one.
Jamie Carragher, who once questioned the decision to replace Aaron Ramsdale, admitted after the match that Raya might actually be “one of the best pieces of business” Arsenal have done under Mikel Arteta. He described the Spanish keeper as a “real upgrade” and even went as far as placing him alongside Alisson as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League—and perhaps in the world.
The turning point of the night came in the first half when Olympiacos forward Daniel Podence seemed destined to score. Raya, however, produced a stunning stop that kept Arsenal level before Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka went on to score in either half. That save, according to Carragher, was exactly why Arteta felt compelled to make such a bold call in the summer of 2023 when he brought Raya in from Brentford.
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Carragher admitted he had previously doubted the signing. At the time, he suggested that swapping Ramsdale for Raya might not move the needle for Arsenal. But now, he concedes the difference is clear—Raya not only saves goals, he gives Arsenal a calmer presence at the back and a confidence that filters through the rest of the team. Clean sheets, Carragher argued, don’t just come from defenders but from a goalkeeper capable of moments like that.
Adding another layer to the discussion, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry spoke about the club’s squad depth being their biggest advantage over rivals like Liverpool in the Premier League title race. He explained that unlike in previous seasons, Arteta now has a bench full of players who can come on and change a game. In fact, against Olympiacos, six changes were made from the side that beat Newcastle just days earlier, and yet the performance level stayed high.
Arteta himself echoed this, pointing out that last season the bench often featured academy players with little experience, but this year he can rotate without weakening the side. It’s a sign of how far Arsenal have come under his leadership.
So, between Raya’s world-class goalkeeping, the strength in depth Henry highlighted, and the winning momentum Arsenal are building, there is a growing feeling that this team might finally be ready to convert potential into silverware. And for Carragher to publicly reverse his stance on Raya—it shows just how convincing the Spaniard has been in proving Arsenal right.
At this point, Arsenal aren’t just collecting wins, they’re also collecting believers.
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