Arsenal's goalkeeper earned the award after a penalty save and commanding performance in a 2-0 win over Sunderland
Arsenal’s goalkeeper David Raya was named Premier League Player of Matchweek 4 for the 2026/27 season, announced on September 16. The award followed his standout showing in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on September 12.
The save that swung a game
With the score locked at 0-0, Sunderland were awarded a penalty. Enzo Le Fee stepped up, and Raya went the right way, palming the ball clear. Two minutes later, Bruno Guimaraes uncorked a long-range effort that found the net, giving the Gunners a 1-0 lead.
Raya’s contribution extended beyond the penalty stop. His distribution out of the back was sharp throughout, and he showed reliable command during set pieces.
In the fan voting that determines the award, Raya topped the poll with 26% of the total. Hull City’s Mohamed Belloumi finished as the closest challenger at 23%.
Arsenal’s early-season stranglehold on individual awards
Raya’s recognition marks the second time an Arsenal player has claimed the Player of the Matchweek award in just four rounds of the 2026/27 season. Martin Odegaard took the honor in Matchweek 3, meaning the Gunners have produced the league’s standout individual performer in back-to-back weeks.
For Raya specifically, he previously won the Player of the Matchweek award during the 2025/26 season, becoming the first goalkeeper to do so that campaign.
