Arsenal international impresses again despite ‘dark arts’ booking | OneFootball

David Raya is continuing to make the most of Unai Simon’s absence by keeping another clean sheet for Spain, despite being booked for time-wasting.

MURCIA, SPAIN: David Raya of Spain looks on during the warm up prior to the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A4 match between Spain and Denmark at Nueva Condomina on October 12, 2024. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has been taking full advantage of an injury to usual Spain first-choice goalkeeper Unai Simon, starting all three games for his country since the start of September.

Saturday was the latest of those appearances, with Raya featuring in goal as Spain took on Denmark in the Nations League.

It was another positive display from Arsenal’s September Player of the Month, and he ultimately earned another clean sheet.

BERGAMO, ITALY: David Raya of Arsenal FC in action during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between Atalanta BC and Arsenal FC at Stadio di Bergamo on September 19, 2024. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Though Spain had the majority of the chances in the 90 minutes, it took until the 79th minute to make the breakthrough on the scoreline.

In the meantime, Raya had to be alert, and he made one save from a shot inside the box, one high claim, and successfully swept up one ball in behind.

After Spain eventually took the lead through Martin Zubimendi and the game started to move into injury time, the focus started to switch from scoring goals to seeing out the win.

Raya ended up picking up a yellow card for time-wasting on a late free-kick.

DUSSELDORF, GERMANY: David Raya of Spain celebrates after the team’s victory in the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Albania and Spain at Düsseldorf Arena on June 24, 2024. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

But it was job done from the Arsenal goalkeeper’s point of view, securing his clean sheet and another three points for Spain.

Spain leapfrogged Denmark into first place in their Nations League group with the win, and they’ll host Serbia in their next match on Tuesday.

Simon was ruled out of action for four months in July following wrist surgery. Having already missed the September and October breaks, he’s also a doubt to feature in November.