Mikel Arteta hails ‘extraordinary’ David Raya after Arsenal victory in Lisbon

Mikel Arteta hailed David Raya as “extraordinary” after his goalkeeper’s stunning performance in Arsenal’s late 1-0 Champions League win against Sporting Lisbon.

Substitute Kai Havertz struck in injury time to put Arsenal on course for the semi-finals ahead of next week’s last-eight return leg at the Emirates, with Arteta admitting his side – following consecutive defeats – had a “point to prove”.

However, Arteta had Raya to thank for keeping Arsenal alive with a wonderful early save to deny Maxi Araujo. Raya also produced a fine double stop late in the contest before Havertz’s winner in the first minute of stoppage time.

“He’s extraordinary, magnificent, and incredible,” said Arteta of Raya. “I don’t know the adjective, the right one. And with that, it’s enough. We are so happy to have him.”

Speaking to Amazon Prime, Havertz said: “He (Raya) is still underestimated in the world of football. For the last two seasons he has been the best keeper in the world.”

Arteta’s side arrived in Portugal rocked by back-to-back losses for the first time this season which have reduced their trophy aspirations from four to two.

But their last-gasp win in Lisbon provides them with a significant boost, not just on the European stage, but also ahead of their Premier League match against Bournemouth at the Emirates on Saturday.

Arsenal have the opportunity to move 12 points clear of rivals’ Manchester City who face Chelsea a day later at Stamford Bridge.

And Arteta continued: “It was a big night, a big moment in the season. Especially where we were coming from. We had a point to prove.

“Yesterday I talked about identity and the things that I wanted to see on that pitch. It certainly happened. There was a shift there, against a big opponent.