Gary Lineker rates Arsenal star as ‘world-class’ after Aston Villa heroics

Gary Lineker believes Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya must now be viewed as ‘world-class’ following his heroics in the Premier League victory over Aston Villa.

Mikel Arteta’s side made it two wins from two on Saturday as second-half goals from Leandro Trossard and Thomas Partey helped down Unai Emery’s men at Villa Park.

With the scoreline still goalless, Raya produced a sensational save to deny Ollie Watkins after a deflected shot struck the bar.

Watkins’ miss proved costly as Arsenal soon took the lead through super sub Trossard before Partey put the game to bed with a strike that ex-Gunners goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez should have saved.

Raya, who completed a permanent move to Arsenal from Brentford over the summer, also made a crucial save in last weekend’s victory over Wolves.

Ex-England striker Lineker believes he now has ‘world-class’ status and praised Arteta for deciding to sign Raya despite the largely effective performances from former Arsenal No. 1 Aaron Ramsdale.

Ramsdale helped the Gunners challenge for the Premier League in 2022-23 but has hardly played in the league since then due to the arrival of Raya.

‘Mikel Arteta is clearly not frightened of making big decisions,’ Lineker said on The Rest is Football podcast.

‘This time last year we were questioning why he was bringing in David Raya but you have to say he looks one hell of a goalkeeper.

‘He made a sensational save last week and he did the same against Aston Villa. How quick did he get up from off the ground to keep out Ollie Watkins to make that save? It’s absolutely world-class.’

Ex-England defender Micah Richards agreed with Lineker’s assessment of Raya but said he ‘felt sorry’ for Ramsdale, who could leave Arsenal this week after slipping down Arteta’s pecking order.

Wolves and Southampton have expressed interest in signing Ramsdale before the summer transfer window shuts later this week.

‘It was world-class from Raya,’ Arsenal fan and former Manchester City star Richards said.

‘That was a very bold decision from Mikel Arteta [replacing Ramsdale with Raya] but it’s worked.

‘I feel sorry for Aaron Ramsdale because I don’t think he did anything particularly wrong but Arteta was just looking for those marginal gains.’

Arsenal, who have finished second two years in a row, continue their Premier League campaign next weekend against Brighton, who beat Manchester United last time out.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.