Mikel Arteta hails ‘extraordinary’ Arsenal star after Champions League victory in Lisbon

Ed Griffiths
Wed, 08 Apr 2026 07:13:38 +0000

Mikel Arteta described goalkeeper David Raya as "extraordinary" following his match-saving display as Arsenal secured a crucial 1-0 Champions League triumph against Sporting Lisbon.

The late victory, achieved courtesy of substitute Kai Havertz in stoppage time, puts the Gunners in a strong position ahead of next week's quarter-final second leg at the Emirates.

Raya also played a key role, denying Maxi Araujo and having an impressive double save late in the game.

Arteta acknowledged his squad had "a point to prove" after consecutive losses.

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Speaking about his goalkeeper, he said: "He’s extraordinary, magnificent, and incredible.

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

The dramatic triumph in Portugal delivers a significant boost for Arsenal, not only in Europe but also domestically.

Arteta's side returns to Premier League action on Saturday when they host Bournemouth at the Emirates.

That fixture presents an opportunity for the north London club to establish a commanding 12-point advantage over Manchester City, who travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea the following day.

The Arsenal boss added: "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.

"The best thing that you can do instead of talk is observe."

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Arteta added: "Look around you and see how people react. How they talk, how they look at you, how they judge you, what they do, do they look at themselves, do they start to criticise other people? Look around, and you’re going to learn the environment and the people that you have around you.

"And I cannot be prouder to work in a club with people that only ask: ‘What else can I do to help?’ And when you have people like this, I don’t know if it’s going to take another week or two, but something really will happen at the end because we deserve it."

Havertz added to the praise of Raya after the game, he 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."

Sporting head coach Rui Borges said his side remains in the tie, despite the goal disadvantage.

He said: "It is frustrating because we did not deserve to lose after all we did in the game. But that is football. We have won in the 91st minute before, and tonight we lost.

"We have to look forward to the next match in London and we will try to deliver something unique.

"I am hopeful this round will be open until the end. We know they will be at home, but our team likes challenges and I am sure we will give a good response."