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Havertz hails 'world's best keeper' Raya after late Arsenal UCL winner

Kai Havertz scored a stoppage-time winner to give Arsenal a narrow victory over Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final. After the match, Havertz lavished praise on goalkeeper David Raya, calling him "unbelievable" and suggesting he has been the best keeper in the world for the last two years. The decisive goal was set up by a perfect assist from substitute Gabriel Martinelli, highlighting the impact of Arsenal's bench. The result provides a crucial boost for the squad following recent domestic frustrations as they aim for a special end to the season.

Key Points: Havertz praises Raya after Arsenal's UCL win

  • Late Havertz winner secures first-leg advantage
  • Havertz hails Raya as world's best keeper
  • Gabriel Martinelli provides perfect assist
  • Result boosts Arsenal after domestic frustration
  • Squad depth highlighted by impactful substitutes
2 min read

'He's unbelievable, been the best keeper in the world': Havertz hails Raya after late UCL winner

Kai Havertz calls David Raya 'unbelievable' and the world's best keeper after scoring a late winner for Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-final.

"He's unbelievable... maybe he's been the best 'keeper in the world - Kai Havertz"

Lisbon, April 8

Kai Havertz reserved special praise for goalkeeper David Raya, calling him 'the best 'keeper in the world,' after his late strike secured a crucial first-leg advantage in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final.

Havertz struck deep into stoppage time to hand Arsenal FC a narrow win in Lisbon, but the German forward was quick to highlight Raya's standout performance that ensured the visitors kept a clean sheet.

"He's unbelievable - I still think people underestimate him in the football world, but for the last two years, I don't know, maybe he's been the best 'keeper in the world and we're all glad to have him here," Havertz was quoted by Arsenal.

The decisive goal came after a key contribution from substitute Gabriel Martinelli, who made an immediate impact off the bench with a perfectly weighted assist.

"I've said that about 80 per cent of the goal goes to him," Havertz said afterwards. "I was there to finish it off. I but it was a top assist from him, I saw him and he just played the perfect pass and it was a good goal."

The strike marked yet another instance of Arsenal's bench making a difference in Europe this season, underlining the squad's depth at a critical stage of the competition.

The result also provided a timely boost for the London side following a difficult run of results domestically, with Havertz admitting the squad had been frustrated in recent weeks.

"Yeah I think we needed that as we were all frustrated with how the last couple of weeks went but it's time to move forward, it's time to be positive, and it's time to all stick together as a group - as players, staff, fans, we're all in this together and we still can make something happen this year. It can be something very special, that's what we're going to go for, and now it's time to win games," Havertz stated.

Arsenal will now carry a slender advantage into the return leg at the Emirates Stadium as they look to seal a place in the semi-finals.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Havertz is right to praise the whole squad. The impact from the bench is what wins you these tight knockout games. Martinelli's vision for that assist was top class.
R
Rohit P
Best keeper in the world is a big statement, but you can't argue with the clean sheets. Hope they can finish the job at home. The second leg will be nerve-wracking!
S
Sarah B
Respectfully, while Raya is excellent, calling him the *best* feels like team hyperbole. There are other keepers having phenomenal seasons too. But a great win for Arsenal nonetheless.
V
Vikram M
This is the spirit! "All stick together as a group" - that's the mentality needed after a rough patch. From Mumbai, hoping they go all the way! The Emirates will be rocking for the return leg.
K
Karthik V
Late winners in the UCL just hit different. Havertz is becoming a big-game player for them. Important they don't get complacent with just a one-goal lead.

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