Arsenal returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Sporting CP in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final on the road.
The Gunners had a nervous start at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, and Sporting left-back Maxi Araujo almost scored with the first genuine chance on goal.
Ousmane Diomande delivered a sublime long ball for the Uruguayan, who seemed destined to find the net before David Raya’s stellar fingertip save.
The Spaniard’s reflexes saw the ball hit the woodwork and saved the Gunners’ blushes.
Raya was kept busy in the second half too. He made another couple of close-range saves (five overall), which ensured Arsenal came up with the win.
Kai Havertz scored in the 91st minute from a sensational Gabriel Martinelli pass, but Raya was quite clearly the man of the match for the Gunners.
Speaking after the game, Havertz said that Raya was ‘unbelievable’ and added that the Spaniard has been the best goalkeeper in the world over the last two seasons.
He told Amazon Prime (via BBC Sport): “Unbelievable. I think 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.”
Aside from his saves, Raya was excellent with the ball at his feet, with 26 out of 28 passes completed, an accuracy of 93 percent. He also made five recoveries and three clearances, and did not put a foot wrong on his return to the XI after two matches. Raya had 42 touches.
Kepa Arrizabalaga was the starting goalkeeper for the Carabao Cup final and FA Cup quarter-final defeats. The fans are probably right to question manager Mikel Arteta on why Raya did not get the nod between the sticks for both of those crucial games.
Arsenal have no time to ponder with a key Premier League clash against Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. The Gunners are nine points ahead of Manchester City at the top, but the Cityzens have a game in hand against Crystal Palace.
Arteta’s side can go 12 points clear with a win before the Cityzens face a tricky challenge against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The Gunners are poised to receive a timely injury boost with Jurrien Timber and Bukayo Saka likely to return for the Cherries clash.