World-class Raya puts Arsenal one step closer to semi-finals
[BBC] [PA Media] What a difference a world-class keeper can make. On Tuesday, David Raya showed Arsenal fans and the watching media how the position of goalkeeper can be a match-winner as much as any centre forward. His fingertip save after six minutes was the pick of the bunch, but it was also that early in the game that it could have been a real sliding doors moment for Arsenal.
Had Araujo scored that goal, who knows whether it would have led to more, as Sporting and their fans would have been buoyed. But Arsenal were able to regroup and ultimately go on to win the game late. Kepa was hardly bad against Southampton, but the upgrade on Tuesday felt very marked indeed.
Better distribution, calmness at the back that puts defenders' minds at ease, plus the ability to pull off some very impressive shot-stopping, is why people (including goalscorer Kai Havertz) are calling Raya the "best in the world". He certainly showed his credentials, also making tidy stops towards the end from two or three Sporting players, as well as adopting his "sweeper-keeper" role well with one header out that threatened to lead to something, but eventually fizzled out. And all of this hard work was to see the whole team rewarded in the end.
Yes, it was a bit "smash-and-grab", but when you have players like Raya doing their part to get you to the point where you can nick it at the death, then you have to credit their performance. He will be pleased with his night's work - it is another clean sheet on the list. Find more from Chris Howard at Suburban Gooners and the Same Old Arsenal Podcast