David Raya is the best goalkeeper in the world, says Arsenal team-mate Kai Havertz after Sporting heroics

7 April 2026, 22:03 | Updated: 8 April 2026, 08:03

Kai Havertz declared David Raya the best goalkeeper in the world after his saves helped Arsenal secure a 1-0 win over Sporting in their Champions League quarter-final first leg in Lisbon.

Havertz scored the decisive goal, controlling a pass from fellow substitute Gabriel Martinelli and finishing coolly in the 91st minute, but he was eager to praise the goalkeeper's contribution.

Raya made a string of vital saves to preserve Arsenal's clean sheet, tipping a ferocious Maxi Araujo drive onto the bar early on and later pulling off a brilliant near-post stop from Geny Catamo.

The saves were just the latest examples of Raya coming to Arsenal's rescue this season, with manager Mikel Arteta having recently faced criticism for starting Kepa Arrizabalaga instead of him in the Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City.

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