Raya Credits Arsenal Title Relief for Perfect Premier League Start

David Raya says the relief of winning last season’s Premier League has given Arsenal greater confidence as they defend the title. The Guardian reported that the goalkeeper made the assessment after Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-1 at home on Sunday, maintaining a perfect league start with nine points from their opening three matches.

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Chelsea took the lead after only 77 seconds through a Morgan Rogers volley, but Arsenal recovered quickly rather than allowing the early setback to dictate the match. Kai Havertz equalised in the 25th minute, and Martin Odegaard also scored as Mikel Arteta’s team completed the comeback.

Raya played an important part at the other end, making a late save to deny Chelsea substitute Estevao. He acknowledged that Arsenal could have defended better for the opening goal, while stressing that the team’s response, attacking pressure and defensive work after falling behind were the most important features of the performance.

According to The Guardian, Raya linked that composure to the experience of finally winning the league after several near misses. Arsenal’s 2025-26 championship was the club’s first since 2004 and followed three consecutive second-place finishes, ending a prolonged period in which the team carried growing pressure and expectation.

The goalkeeper said the title had provided both relief and an additional layer of belief. He added that Arsenal’s 3-0 Community Shield victory over Manchester City, followed by their opening league results, had reinforced confidence in the team’s preferred style of play. Raya said Arsenal believe they are capable of beating any opponent in the division, while emphasizing the need to remain focused on the present.

The Chelsea victory offered evidence for Raya’s assessment. Arsenal responded to the early goal with sustained attacks and created repeated openings before equalising, while the home support remained behind the side. Raya also noted Chelsea’s threat in transition, making Arsenal’s control and eventual win especially significant in his view. The result leaves the champions with maximum points at this early stage of their title defence.