Multiple reports indicate David Raya made three important saves to keep the score level before Kai Havertz scored the winning goal for Arsenal in the first minute of stoppage time. This performance has reinforced his status as widely considered the standout goalkeeper in the Premier League this season, with Arsenal conceding only 22 goals in the league campaign. Raya has played every minute of Arsenal's Premier League season with seven matches remaining.
Mikel Arteta rested David Raya for Arsenal's Carabao Cup and FA Cup matches prior to the Sporting CP game. Sporting CP head coach Rui Borges said David Raya was the best player on the pitch in the Champions League match, while Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia believes David Raya is the best goalkeeper in the world. However, criticism exists: Kenny Cunningham described Caoimhin Kelleher as better in ball distribution and noted Raya's small weakness in not dominating his six-yard box enough.
It's 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.
Jamie Redknapp described Arteta's decision to play Kepa Arrizabalaga instead of Raya in the Carabao Cup final as a monumental error. In national team context, Unai Simon is currently Spain's first-choice goalkeeper under Luis de la Fuente, and Joan Garcia earned his first senior call-up to the Spanish national team for friendlies against Serbia and Egypt. Viktor Gyokeres received a warm ovation from Sporting CP fans after the match against his former club.
He had two moments where he made two big saves. And that’s the Champions League, the Champions League is always decided in the boxes and because there’s so much quality here. At the moment he’s phenomenal and extraordinary since he joined us. We are very lucky to have him.
In terms shot-stopping: very good, athletic. Does he make a fair number of good quality saves? Yeah, absolutely. Decent with the ball at his feet, yeah. I think Caoimhin Kelleher is better in terms of his ball distribution. In terms of coming off his line and dominating the box, the six-yard box and beyond, and really imposing himself, I don’t think he does it often enough. I think he goes into his shell a little bit when the opposition put players into the six-yard box and I don’t think he dominates. I think that’s the small weakness in his game.
Right now, I like David Raya. He’s having a fantastic season in the Premier League. He’s under immense pressure with set-pieces, his footwork… He’s playing at a very high level and I’m really enjoying watching him.
I know people will say it’s sentiment and he played in the earlier rounds, but Kepa is not as good as Raya. That’s why he is the number two. So why, in a major cup final when you’re trying to get across the line and you’ve not won a trophy in so long, do you decide to play him? You have to take responsibility for that. That is a monumental error. He’s not a bad goalkeeper – he isn’t not as good as Raya. It has come back and backfired big time. That’s not me being wise after the event, I said it before the game.