Why David Raya was one of the big winners of the Premier League weekend

Richarlison's 87th-minute header on Monday night may well prove to be a significant moment in David Raya's bid to retain the Premier League Golden Glove award.

While Arsenal boast the division's best defensive record, Nottingham Forest's incredible stoutness on home soil means Matz Sels leads the Golden Glove race with just five games remaining.

Forest have conceded 12 more times than the Gunners this term, but they've remarkably let visiting teams score just 11 at the City Ground. The bulk of Sels' shutouts (8/13) have arrived at home, while Raya's 12 are equally spread.

The Spaniard has arguably had a better sophomore year compared to his debut season, evolving into one of Europe's most complete shot-stoppers, yet his season may result in a lack of individual recognition due to Sels' excellent - and more surprising - campaign.

David Raya closing in on Matz Sels in bid to reclaim Golden Glove

Sels has led the way on the clean sheets front for much of the season, with Jordan Pickford also throwing his name into the hat as a potential first-time Golden Glove winner during the first half of the season. He and Dean Henderson have notched double digit clean sheets.

However, with a month of the season remaining, there are only two goalkeepers who can realistically claim the award. Raya is now just one shut out behind Sels' leading 13 after he enjoyed a quiet outing at Ipswich Town on Sunday night. The Belgian had an opportunity to respond on Monday night at Spurs, and it looked for all money that he'd restore his two clean sheet advantage.

Spurs were dominant after falling 2-0 down in the opening stages, but a combination of woeful finishing, a remarkable Harry Toffolo clearance, and Sels' own brilliance to deny Richarlison meant the visitors had somehow clung on to their clean sheet as the contest reached the closing stages. However, the Brazilian forward eventually broke the Belgian's stiff resistance, heading home with just a few minutes remaining to set-up a nervy finish which didn't result in the leveller.

Overall, it was the perfect night for Raya and Arsenal. There was no Spurs result and Sels failed to keep a clean sheet!

The race is now mightily tight with five games to go, and the Spaniard will surely fancy his chances of becoming just the fourth goalkeeper - after Pepe Reina, Joe Hart, and Ederson - to retain the Golden Glove. Wednesday's clash with Crystal Palace and next month's trip to Southampton are two great opportunities for Raya to add to his tally.

Games against Bournemouth, Liverpool, and Newcastle don't exactly guarantee shutouts, no matter how defensively solid Arteta's men have been this season.

Forest, meanwhile, play three of their final five games at the City Ground, so Sels, too, will fancy his chances of extending his lead over Raya.

Should the pair end with the same number of clean sheets, the award will be shared.

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