It was a moment that had Arsenal fans everywhere holding their breath. When Mateus Fernandes broke through on goal during Sunday's match, many of us already had our heads in our hands, convinced the ball was destined for the back of the net. It was a beautifully worked move from the home side, and Fernandes only needed to place the ball anywhere but where he actually did to score.

But then came David Raya. What followed was a save that, after several hundred replays, could well be remembered as the moment of the season. The Spaniard's lightning-fast reflexes and positioning turned a certain goal into a defining highlight, and it's time we give him the recognition he deserves: Raya should be Arsenal's player of the season.

His rise has been nothing short of remarkable. Winning his third consecutive Golden Glove award is a testament not just to his individual brilliance, but also to Mikel Arteta's ability to identify and nurture elite talent. When Raya first arrived at the Emirates, Aaron Ramsdale was the undisputed number one. Many fans, myself included, questioned why Arteta would risk unsettling the squad by bringing in competition. And when Raya eventually took the starting spot, his early performances left us wondering if the fuss was justified.

But Arteta and his coaching staff saw something special. They recognized a goalkeeper who could transform the team, and Raya has improved season after season. His showreel from this campaign is extensive, featuring point-blank stops against West Ham and that incredible save against Fernandes. Beyond his shot-stopping, Raya has become integral to Arsenal's build-up play, orchestrating attacks with decisive distribution that sets the tone from the back.

For decades, Arsenal have had good goalkeepers, but rarely elite ones. Raya is the exception. He embodies the old adage that defense wins titles, proving that it all starts with a world-class presence between the posts. In a season filled with standout performances, his consistency and impact make him the clear choice for player of the season.