Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has sent a classy message to the Brentford fans after making his first return back to the Gtech Community Stadium. The 29-year-old left the Bees on a permanent deal for £27million last summer, after spending a season on loan with Mikel Arteta's side.

Raya was unable to feature in the two Premier League matches as well as their Carabao Cup third round tie against Brentford last season due to an agreement in his loan deal. But with the Spaniard now at the Gunners on a full-time basis, he was able to play against his former employers for the first time since his departure.

Having made a shaky start - allowing Bryan Mbeumo to beat him at his near post and almost handing Brentford a second after letting the ball slip out of his hands - Raya recovered to help Arsenal to a 3-1 win in west London. He made a couple of impressive saves in the second half and almost grabbed an assist of his own.

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During the match, Raya received a mixed reception. A smattering of boos were heard from the crowd, while others could be seen clapping the Spain international. Despite this, Raya thanked the Brentford fans for their welcome and has wished them the best for the rest of the season.

Writing in an Instagram post, Raya said: "Big 3 points to start the year. Thank for all your support through out 2024. Let's make better memories in 2025 #Gunners," followed with a love heart emoji. "Thanks for the reception I got at the Gtech tonight, good to see you all, All the best."

The comeback win for Arsenal moved them back up to second - and within six points of Liverpool - who do have a game in hand. The Gunners have returned to form in recent weeks, winning their last three matches and are looking in fine fettle to close the gap on Liverpool and challenge for the title.

"It's a very difficult place to come, when you see their record at home, the way they play, the way they cause issues to opponents, very impressive, on top of that, we went a goal down," Arteta said post-match.

"So then, it becomes a big mountain to climb, but I think the team showed a lot of composure and was very calm emotionally, because we needed that in today's game, and as well had the right desire to keep insisting, attacking them and do it in a way that can cause them problems, which is difficult.

"So, overall, I think we deserved to win the game."