As David Raya goes, so do Arsenal.
That's according to Alan Shearer, who believes the Gunners' quest for their first Premier League title in over 20 years could lie in the capable hands of their starting goalkeeper.
Raya has helped Arsenal win their first two matches of the young season, with both victories also being clean sheets. He was also the focal point of a league-best defence last season as the Gunners allowed only 29 goals in 38 matches — five goals better than champions Manchester City.
With Arsenal once again looking like City's main rivals for the league crown, Shearer believes that Raya will have a massive part to play in any success his club experiences.
"It was a brilliant result for Arsenal against Aston Villa [last weekend]," Shearer told Betfair. "I watched the full game and if Ollie Watkins had his shooting boots on then it would've been a very different scenario, but how many times over the years have we said that teams just need to find a way to win?
"Once Arsenal got that first goal, it was a different game and they're very, very difficult to peg back, once Arsenal take the lead they're solid.
"They've had to rely twice on the goalkeeper, David Raya, having pulled a great save off in the first game at 1-0 vs Wolves, and he pulled a great save off from Ollie Watkins at 0-0 last weekend.
"To win the title, you need a very, very good goalkeeper. Man City have Ederson who's pulled off great saves a number of times over the years and now David Raya, has made two early in the season to help win them the points.
"Yes, you need top quality defenders too and Arsenal have got that. They had the best defence last year and they've spent a fortune on a new left-sided defender in Riccardo Calafiori. There may be more additions along with [Mikel] Merino so let's see if anything happens in the next day or so.
"It wasn't a great performance, but it was a great result given the circumstances. That's the type of performance that makes people sit up and say, 'maybe they are for real this year.'"
Live on DAZN: X Series 017 on August 31. Click here for details .