Gary Lineker claims Arsenal have new ‘world class’ star after clash with Aston Villa

Gary Lineker has rated Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya as “world class” after his heroics against Aston Villa in the Premier League last weekend.

The Gunners made it two wins from two Premier League games last weekend. they beat Unai Emery’s team 2-0thanks to second-half goals from Leandro Trossard and Thomas Partey.

Aston Villa also had a number of chances on Saturday but squandered them, with Raya making a brilliant save from Ollie Watkins after the ball had bounced off the crossbar in his direction.

The Spaniard also made a crucial save when Arsenal defeated Wolves on the opening weekend, with the Gunners paying around £27million to make his loan deal from Brentford permanent.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was pleased with what he saw from Raya on Saturday and praised his “unbelievable” save from Watkins.

Arteta said after the match: “They had a great chance because David (Raya) made an incredible save and it was the magic moment of the game.

“We conceded very few goals and that’s a big compliment to the team because it’s a difficult place to come from, but when we needed him (Raya) he was there and made a great save.

“(I thought) it was a goal because I saw the reaction from the defensive line. The ball goes on the crossbar and we all look at the ball and I said, ‘No, please’ and then I see the striker (Watkins) in that position and normally they would (score) but David’s reaction is unbelievable.”

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Former Tottenham and England striker Lineker was also full of praise for Raya, believing Arsenal now have a “world class” goalkeeper.

Talking about The Rest is Football podcastLineker said: “Mikel Arteta is clearly not afraid to make big decisions.

“Last year around this time we were wondering why he had signed David Raya, but you have to say he looks like a great goalkeeper.

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

Raya joined Arteta’s team early last season when Aaron Ramsdale was sacked. Micah Richards believes it was a “very bold decision” from the Arsenal manager, which has now paid off.

Adding to Lineker’s comments, former Manchester City defender Richards said: “It was a world class performance from Raya.

“That was a very bold decision from Mikel Arteta (who replaced Ramsdale with Raya), but it worked.

“I feel sorry for Aaron Ramsdale because I don’t think he did anything wrong, but Arteta was just looking for that marginal gain.”