Has Raya found his match in Kepa?
With Kepa joining Raya at the Emirates, Arsenal have assembled genuinely frightening depth between the sticks.
Another transfer window, another goalkeeper signing at Arsenal. With Kepa Arrizabalaga now joining David Raya at the Emirates, it's yet another chapter in what's been a relentless pursuit of goalkeeping perfection since Mikel Arteta took the reins. The position has seen extraordinary churn - from Bernd Leno to Aaron Ramsdale to Raya, with various backups cycling through - and while most moves have proven to be astute decisions, you can't help but hope Arsenal have finally settled their goalkeeper union.
The statistical profiles of both Raya and Kepa represent two different but equally compelling approaches to modern goalkeeping, creating what should be a nightmare scenario for opposing attackers. More importantly, this depth might finally end the constant speculation and rotation that's defined Arsenal's goalkeeping situation for the past few years. After all the churn, all the debates, and all the transfer fees, Arsenal appear to have assembled genuinely frightening goalkeeper depth that would make most Premier League clubs envious.
The Evolution of the #2: Why Elite Teams Need Two First-Choice Keepers
Raya is one of the best keepers in Europe and consistently comes out as one of the top performers at Arsenal since he's been here - he is the undisputed number one. He's a back-to-back Golden Glove winner, an achievement that's been completely overshadowed by the fact we haven't won the league. However, Kepa will give him something to think about. Most elite keepers can play with the ball at their feet, that's not new. However, I believe the next evolution in goalkeeping for elite teams is redefining what the #2 really is. When we say backup keeper, we think a couple of FA Cup games here, a few EFL matches there, and maybe an inconsequential European game. But we've seen not only with Arsenal, but with Liverpool having Alisson and Kelleher, City with Ederson and Ortega, even Brighton with Verbruggen and Jason Steele sharing minutes - possession teams need to have two competent keepers to play a share of minutes across all competitions that doesn't necessitate a drop-off in quality.
Particularly with the addition of extra Champions League games, playing an undisputed number one through the course of a season will ultimately wear them down not only physically but mentally. Kepa offers security to come in and play not just charity minutes, but filling in when required across meaningful fixtures without Arsenal having to compromise their style or quality. This isn't about having a backup anymore - it's about having two first-choice goalkeepers who can handle the demands of modern football.
I think this was the plan with Ramsdale, but he wanted to play as the undisputed number one. That, added to his propensity to lack composure under pressure, meant he wasn't fit for the role. Still a fine keeper, no matter what anyone says, but the psychological makeup required to thrive in a genuine rotation isn't something every goalkeeper possesses. Kepa, having experienced the ultimate pressure cookers at Chelsea & Real Madrid and come through it, might be better equipped mentally to handle this kind of arrangement.
Raya: The Complete Modern Goalkeeper
David Raya's template screams elite-level completeness. His post-shot expected goals per 90 (PSxG+/-) of 0.03 demonstrates consistent shot-stopping ability, while his distribution numbers tell the story of a goalkeeper perfectly suited to Arsenal's possession-based system. With a 31.20 percent long pass completion rate, Raya is executing precise launched passes, tactical distribution that fits Mikel Arteta's methodical build-up play.
A league leading cross-stopping percentage of 13.20 highlights his selective aggression. Raya picks his moments rather than rushing out recklessly. His 1.39 crosses stopped per 90 suggests he is reading the game intelligently, coming for crosses he can win while staying disciplined on others. The 0.89 goals against per 90 reflects Arsenal's defensive solidity, but also Raya's ability to make crucial saves when called upon.
The percentile pizza makes things clearer. Raya ranks above the 70th percentile for both sweeping actions and sweep distance, and combines that with strong PSxG+/- numbers. His average pass length is the shortest among Premier League starters in this style, and his short passes per 90 sit in the top half. These are traits of a keeper trusted to initiate possession, not just react to danger.
In the similarity model, Raya is closest to Pope, Vicario and Emiliano Martinez. All are keepers trusted in possession systems who also post positive shot-stopping numbers.
In the clustering chart, he stands in a low-PC1, high-PC2 space, alongside systems built on high control and deliberate build-up. Raya is not playing safe. He is playing smart.
Kepa: The Sweeper-Keeper Extraordinaire
Kepa's profile shows a goalkeeper transformed from his Chelsea struggles. His sweeping actions per 90 (1.74) immediately jump out. This is a goalkeeper who acts as an auxiliary defender, comfortable operating well outside his penalty area. The average sweep distance of 16.00 yards shows a keeper willing to step up and meet runners, especially in a high defensive line.
His PSxG+/- of 0.07 points to strong shot-stopping, while his 36.20 percent long pass completion rate indicates he is more direct in his distribution than Raya. That is not a bad thing. It reflects different tools for different game states. Kepa’s short pass volume is lower, but he is still completing over 26 per 90. He is not a back-to-front merchant. He is capable of contributing in both phases.
On the percentile pizza, Kepa ranks highly in sweep actions, PSxG+/- and average sweep distance. The shot-stopping metrics show up again on the combined profile.
In the similarity model, he comes closest to Ortega, Pickford and Onana. These are mobile, line-breaking keepers trusted in chaotic phases of play.
He occupies a slightly lower control space on the clustering model, but still clearly belongs to the same general style family as Raya.
The Depth Advantage
What makes Arsenal's situation so difficult for opponents is not just having two good goalkeepers. It is having two distinct profiles that both function at a high level. Raya offers surgical control. Kepa offers disruptive force. Arteta can rotate them depending on opponent and game state. Raya for low blocks and games where Arsenal will dominate the ball. Kepa when facing counters or needing a keeper who can sweep and engage.
The radar overlay makes the complementarity clear. Raya plays shorter, passes more often, and distributes through traffic. Kepa plays slightly longer, completes more high-risk balls, and is faster off his line. These are not backups in the traditional sense. They are alternatives. Arsenal do not lose quality. They just change shape.
What It All Means
This gives Arsenal rare tactical flexibility. They can tailor goalkeeper selection to match the nature of the match. Raya suits slower, more structured games where Arsenal will have 60 percent of the ball. Kepa suits higher-tempo games, especially against teams that look to play in behind. The style differences are not cosmetic. They are functional.
Injury, rotation, or form will not force compromise. This is real depth. Raya and Kepa both fit Arsenal’s core principles. They just bring different solutions to different problems. That is how you build a team that wins in April and May, not just in October.
When Arsenal addressed their goalkeeper situation, they went beyond plugging a gap. They created a structure with two elite options that expands their tactical capacity. The numbers tell the story. The visuals confirm it. Forwards will find no weak spot. Whether it is Raya's passing control or Kepa's high-line sweeping, the outcome is the same. Arsenal now defend the goal with two of the most complete profiles in the league, and that could be what turns a strong side into a champion.
Thanks for reading,
Steve