Arsenal: Mikel Arteta hails 'extraordinary' David Raya after instant impact on return

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·7 avril 2026

Arsenal: Mikel Arteta hails 'extraordinary' David Raya after instant impact on return

Raya was back in goal for Arsenal after sitting out cup defeats to Man City and Southampton

Mikel Arteta labelled David Raya "extraordinary" after the Arsenal goalkeeper returned to the side to play a key part in the Champions League win over Sporting CP.

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Raya watched on from the bench as Arsenal lost in the Carabao Cup final to Manchester City and were then knocked out of the FA Cup by Championship side Southampton.

Kepa Arrizabalaga was poor in both of those matches and Raya's impact back in the starting lineup was instant in Lisbon.

He made a sensational save to tip Maxi Araujo's strike onto the bar early on and then got down low to keep out Geny Catamo's header.

Kai Havertz came off the bench to snatch a 1-0 win for Arsenal in stoppage-time but it was Raya who picked up the player of the match award.

"He's extraordinary, magnificent, incredible," Arteta said.

"I don't know the adjective, the right one. And with that, it's enough. We are so happy to have him."

Havertz went even stronger in his praise of his team-mate, declaring that Arsenal have the best goalkeeper that is out there.

"Unbelievable," Havertz said.

"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."

Arsenal's winner came through their substitutes combining. Gabriel Martinelli clipped a ball into the box and Havertz provided the cool finish.

Up to that point a winner had looked unlikely for the Gunners but they are now in a strong position to reach the Champions League semi-finals.

Arsenal have had 38 goal involvements by substitutes across all competitions this season, the most of any side in Europe's top five leagues.

"I think that's a reflection of the chemistry that’s there is in the team," Arteta said.

David Raya shone on his return to the Arsenal lineup against Sporting CP

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"And respecting your role within the day and my decision, that it's not easy a lot of times to leave certain players on the bench to start with. That’s organic, it’s a natural.

"They love each other so much that they do it for the team. And when you play with that attitude and that desire, these things can happen. And it's been, again, a beautiful thing to raise the position that we are in.

"One of the main things that I discussed as well. Because we're going to need them in the crucial moments to win it for us."