Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has hailed the influence of Gabriel Heinze on the club’s remarkable defensive form this season.
Raya: “Heinze demands winning — that’s helped our defence”
The former Manchester United defender joined Mikel Arteta’s coaching staff in the summer, and his arrival has made a clear impact on the Gunners’ solidity at the back.
Arsenal have been in outstanding form, sitting six points clear at the top of the Premier League after ten games.
While their attacking numbers have been strong, it’s their defensive record that truly stands out conceding just three goals in the league and keeping four consecutive clean sheets.
In all competitions, the Gunners have not allowed a single goal in their last seven matches, with Nick Woltemade’s strike for Newcastle on September 28 being the last to breach their defence.
Raya, who has been key to that run, credited Heinze’s intensity and demanding nature for the improvement.
“He’s a coach who pushes us to fight and play with a lot of intensity,” Raya said after Arsenal’s win over Burnley.
“In this league, you have to defend really well to win games. Normally, matches are decided by one goal, so being solid is vital.
It’s not just about the backline – it’s everyone, and a lot of credit goes to him.”
Arteta has also praised Heinze’s impact, describing him as a coach who brings passion and a winning mentality.
“Gabi added something different – that willingness to win and drive to reach the highest level,” Arteta said.
“He’s extraordinary at inspiring that ambition.”
Heinze, who previously managed Atlanta United and Newell’s Old Boys, shares a long-standing connection with Arteta dating back to their time as teammates at Paris Saint-Germain.
That relationship has now evolved into a successful partnership on the Arsenal bench one that seems to be shaping a defence worthy of a title challenge.
