London, May 5, 2026, 22:04 BST
David Raya, Arsenal’s man between the posts, can’t be overtaken in the Premier League Golden Glove race now. After Manchester City allowed three past them at Everton, Raya’s tally of 17 clean sheets is out of reach this season. The Golden Glove goes to the keeper with the most matches played without conceding a goal.
Timing proved crucial here, as the same result rattled the title picture. City’s 3-3 slip at Everton handed Arsenal a five-point cushion at the top—76 points after 35 matches. That leaves Mikel Arteta’s squad needing three straight wins to clinch the club’s first league crown since 2004.
Raya has posted 17 clean sheets from 35 league matches—his top mark yet in England’s top division, according to the Premier League. The only contender left, City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, could still catch him for a share of the award, but that hinges on Donnarumma recording four consecutive shutouts and Raya conceding in each of Arsenal’s final three fixtures.
Raya has now claimed his third Golden Glove in a row. Premier League analyst Adrian Clarke called the Spaniard “outstanding throughout this season.” That latest honor leaves Raya just one behind the all-time competition record of four. Premier League
The action that mattered unfolded at Hill Dickinson Stadium, not the Emirates. Everton clawed back from an early deficit, flipping 1-0 into a lead behind a Thierno Barry brace and a Jake O’Brien header. City needed Jeremy Doku’s equalizer deep in the 97th minute just to salvage a draw. “It’s better than losing. (But) it’s not in our hands,” Guardiola told Sky Sports, per Reuters. Reuters
It’s not just about Raya. Arsenal, under Arteta, have let in 26 league goals—City have shipped 32. That defensive edge now sits alongside a five-point cushion as the clock ticks down.
Jamie Carragher didn’t mince words on Monday Night Football, calling Sunday’s away match at West Ham a potential title decider for Arsenal. “If Arsenal win against West Ham next Sunday, they win the league,” the Sky Sports pundit declared. Sky Sports
The clean-sheet contest isn’t locked up yet, and the title fight remains open. Donnarumma has a shot at tying for the Golden Glove, though he’ll need a pretty specific outcome. Thierry Henry, speaking on Sky, didn’t mince words: “nothing is done.” His message to Arsenal? “Win your games.” Premier League
Raya’s streak hands Arsenal an uncommon individual highlight in a campaign where everything comes down to the league standings. He joins the select trio—Joe Hart and Ederson included—who’ve won the Golden Glove three years running, both City men during their powerhouse spells. Arsenal, still eyeing the team trophy that’s slipped away for over twenty years.
Right now, the numbers speak for themselves. Raya is out of reach. Arsenal are technically still in play, but City are relying on someone else to trip them up, and the clean sheet contest has underlined that. Arsenal have turned not conceding into something almost automatic, especially with the pressure on at the season’s peak.
