Arsenal overcame Brighton 2-1 to go back top of the Premier League table on Saturday afternoon, but Mikel Arteta’s side needed a crucial intervention from one player to do so
David Raya’s stunning save to deny Brighton an equaliser could prove to be a crucial moment in Arsenal’s pursuit of a first Premier League title in 22 years, according to Paul Merson. The Gunners moved back to the top of the table with a 2-1 win over Brighton on Saturday and had their goalkeeper to thank for three points.
Arsenal were 2-0 up against the Seagulls after Martin Odegaard’s strike and an own goal from Georginio Rutter. But Diego Gomez halved the deficit for the away side with a rebound and it could easily have been 2-2 but for Raya’s intervention in the 77th minute.
The Spanish goalkeeper reacted brilliantly to tip Yankuba Minteh’s curling effort over the crossbar. It was a world-class save from a keeper who has generally not been called into action often this season due to his team-mates’ hard work in front of him.
“I shouted ‘goal’, it was a goal, but all of a sudden Raya comes from nowhere and he puts it over the bar,” Merson said while reacting on Sky Sports‘ Soccer Saturday. “It is an unbelievable save. It’s magnificent.”
READ MORE: Arsenal issue perfect response to Man City as Declan Rice stars vs Brighton – 5 talking pointsREAD MORE: Arsenal player ratings vs Brighton as Martin Odegaard shines but Viktor Gyokeres struggles
Arsenal managed to withstand a nervy finish to move back two points above Manchester City at the top of the table following their rivals’ 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest in the early kick-off, leaving ex-Arsenal star Merson to reflect on the potential significance of the stop.
“Arsenal played well at times,” Merson said. “They came out the traps very well. They should have been 2-0 or 3-0 up. [Gabriel] Jesus came on and calmed it down. [Viktor] Gyokeres is fighting the ball and everything is a fight. Jesus has calmness and holds the ball up. Gyokeres is trying too hard.
“If Arsenal go on and win the title, we will have to go back to the Raya save. It was off the charts. Nine times out of 10, that’s a goal. That’s massive for me. A massive, massive save.”
Jesus has returned from an 11-month injury lay-off recently to boost Arsenal’s options up front. And the Brazilian believes that his compatriot Gabriel Magalhaes coming off the bench against Brighton following a spell on the sidelines could prove crucial to their chances of holding off City.
“As everyone could see, it changed our back line when he came on,” he said of Gabriel’s introduction for Myles Lewis-Skelly in the 71st minute. “We had been conceding chances but when he stepped on the pitch you can see the difference, he is a leader, he is a beast at defending. It is a massive, massive boost for us that he is coming back.
“I’m happy that I have come back strong, I’m here and I’m still alive, I thank Jesus that he helped me in these moments. It was scary to come back, I was afraid that I would have limitations, so thanks God.
“Everyone knows how tough it is to play in the Premier League, to fight up there. Manchester City have won a lot, now we are more experienced, we have a bigger squad. It’s amazing to be [top] and chasing the Premier League. That is where Arsenal belongs. I hope it happens and I hope it happens this year.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
