Arsenal travelled to Sporting after back-to-back losses. The Gunners secured a 1-0 Champions League victory over Sporting, with Kai Havertz hitting a late winner.
Raya Hailed as World’s Best
David Raya is the best goalkeeper in the world, at least according to his Arsenal team-mates. Raya made four superb saves in the Champions League victory over Sporting. He has kept seven clean sheets in the Champions League this season.
Kai Havertz described Raya as “unbelievable” to Amazon Prime. Havertz added, “I think [he is] still underestimated in the world of football but for me, the last two seasons, the best keeper in the world. He’s outstanding, he’s saved us so many times and we’re very glad to have him.”
Raya has kept the most clean sheets of any goalkeeper in Europe’s top five leagues, with 22 across all competitions. This is four clear of Inter’s Yann Sommer.
Arteta’s faith in Raya
The pressure and noise about Mikel Arteta’s side being “nearly men” was loud before the game in Lisbon. Notably, Raya did not feature in either of those losses: Arteta opted to stick with cup goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga for the defeats by Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final and Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-final.
Arteta’s decision to pick Kepa for the final with City was questioned after the loss as the back-up goalkeeper’s error gifted Pep Guardiola’s side the opening goal. It also meant Arsenal’s wait for a major trophy since 2020 continues.
Raya’s performance against Sporting showed why the 30-year-old is the Gunners’ clear number one. The former Brentford goalkeeper has become a big presence at Arsenal and is part of the team’s leadership group.
Key Moments in the Match
Raya made a vital save to deny Maxi Araujo early on in Tuesday’s match, tipping a thumping strike on to the crossbar. He then made three saves late on to keep the tie level before Havertz’s winner.
“It’s something that I’m there for. I’m trying to help the team as much as possible in any single action, not just defending but commanding and on the ball,” Raya told Amazon Prime.
- Raya made four superb saves in the match against Sporting.
- He has kept 22 clean sheets in 41 appearances in all competitions this season.
- Raya is part of the team’s leadership group.
The clean sheet was Raya and Arsenal’s seventh in the Champions League this season – the most of any goalkeeper and any side in the competition. Raya said, “That’s something we’ve worked on a lot. It’s so important for us, those clean sheets make it easier to win games. It showed tonight, scoring in the last minute and keeping that clean sheet decides those type of games.”
Raya is given a lot of responsibility with the ball at his feet and his passing range and decision-making make Arsenal a better attacking si.