Shay Given was quick to shut down a surprising claim that Caoimhin Kelleher was a ‘higher goalkeeper’ than David Raya after the Spaniard’s man-of-the-match display in Arsenal’s victory over Sporting.
Raya is widely considered to have been the standout goalkeeper within the Premier League this season, producing a string of decisive performances to assist the Gunners take a nine-point lead at the highest.
The Gunners have shipped just 22 goals within the English top flight and the Spain international has been instrumental within the side’s defensive rigidity, playing each minute with only seven matches remaining of the campaign.
Mikel Arteta decided to rest Raya for 2 major setbacks within the Carabao Cup and FA Cup prior to Arsenal’s trip to Lisbon – and his absence was felt because the north Londoners’ quadruple hopes went up in smoke.
However the 30-year-old was restored to Arteta’s starting XI for Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final first leg on Tuesday night and produced three necessary saves to maintain the scoreline level before Kai Havertz’s breakthrough in the primary minute of stoppage time.
Shortly after the ultimate whistle, Raya was handed the official Player of the Match award for his contribution within the Portuguese capital, with Havertz later declaring his team-mate ‘the very best on the planet’.
‘It’s unbelievable,’ the German told Amazon Prime when asked about Raya’s showing between the sticks.
‘I feel still underestimated on the planet of football but, for me, the last two seasons, the very best ‘keeper on the planet.
‘He’s outstanding, he’s saved us so again and again and we’re very glad to have him.’
Arteta was also glowing along with his praise, admitting Arsenal were ‘very lucky’ to have such an ‘extraordinary’ goalkeeper of their ranks.
‘He had two moments where he made two big saves. And that’s the Champions League, the Champions League is at all times decided within the boxes and since there’s a lot quality here,’ Arteta said.
‘In the mean time he’s phenomenal and extraordinary since he joined us. We’re very lucky to have him.’
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Nonetheless, it appears Raya continues to be yet to completely win over all fans and pundits, with Kenny Cunningham picking out what he felt was a ‘small weakness’ within the Spaniard’s game on Premier Sports Ireland.
The ex-Republic of Ireland, Wimbledon and Birmingham defender raised eyebrows along with his daring assertion that Brentford’s Kelleher was the higher goalkeeper.
‘In terms shot-stopping: excellent, athletic. Does he make a good number of excellent quality saves? Yeah, absolutely,’ Cunninham said shortly after Arsenal’s 1-0 win.
‘Decent with the ball at his feet, yeah. I feel Caoimhin Kelleher is healthier by way of his ball distribution.
‘When it comes to 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 feel he goes into his shell somewhat bit when the opposition put players into the six-yard box and I don’t think he dominates. I feel that’s the small weakness in his game.
‘That’s why I don’t put him up with the likes of [Gianluigi] Donnarumma, [Thibaut] Courtois… Alisson we all know is on the slide somewhat bit, to an extent.
‘Caoimhin Kelleher, for me, is the higher goalkeeper. You must tell me what attribute in his [Raya] game is healthier than Caoimhin Kelleher by way of his shot-stopping, his distribution and his ability to command his box.
‘Where does he get the advantage on Caoimhin Kelleher? Those three facets.’
Shay Given, sat alongside Cunningham within the Premier Sports Ireland studio, made it clear he disagreed along with his fellow countryman’s remarks about Raya.
‘I’m unsure you may compare Caoimhin Kelleher and David Raya. I’m here to speak about David Raya because he played tonight,’ the previous Newcastle goalkeeper responded.
‘I said this before the sport and I’m not saying I’m right and he’s [Cunningham] is incorrect, I’m just saying the performance tonight was absolutely good.
‘We talk in regards to the save in the primary half…’
Before Given could finish his sentence, Cunningham cut in: ‘One save, one excellent save in the primary half! That’s it. That [the praise from Kai Havertz] is his team-mate there, blowing smoke.’
But in line with Given, Raya’s contribution this season is undoubtedly considered one of the important thing aspects in Arsenal finding themselves in such a powerful position in each the Premier League and Champions League.
‘You speak to individuals who learn about goalkeepers and ask them… I feel he’s considered one of the explanations they’re nine points clear at the highest of the Premier League,’ Given explained.
‘One among the the explanation why they’re probably one foot within the semi-finals of the Champions League is due to David Raya as well.
‘There are big games coming up across the corner over the subsequent seven weeks and he’ll play an enormous part in what they’re going to succeed with.’
On Cunningham’s claims that dominating the box was a ‘weakness’ for Raya, Given added: ‘I disagree with that as well. He’s considered one of the springiest, he picks crosses up from plenty of stuff that other goalkeepers don’t come for.
‘I disagree with that absolutely. There was one initially of the second half, he was on the halfway line, out for a header.
‘He’s a sweeper ‘keeper, he’s on the front foot and he reads the sport so well. It’s not nearly shot-stopping, it’s about decision-making, setting the tone of the sport.
‘As a goalkeeper, he does every part.’
Cunningham was not done there, though, insisting Raya remained within the bracket below the likes of Donnarumma and Courtois attributable to an absence of ‘aura’ and ‘personality’.
‘I feel it’s just by way of the boldness. I feel it’s an aura, a personality, a presence,’ he went on.
‘It’s difficult to place your finger on it. Hopefully I’m supplying you with an understanding of what I’m talking about.
‘I’m talking particularly by way of crosses coming into the box, corner kicks, long throw-ins, it’s such a crucial a part of the sport.
‘Those other goalkeepers that you simply’re speaking about [Donnarumma and Courtois], for me, are ones who take responsibility.’
But again, Given hit back, declaring how Donnarumma was a poor example to make use of based on a few of the Italian’s performances for Manchester City this season.
‘I feel Donnarumma has struggled this yr, at times, with balls into the box and crosses into the box,’ he said.
‘He’s getting involved in fighting people and punching at stuff, flapping at things when balls are within the box and the physicality of it so I don’t think that’s a very good example.
‘I feel Donnarumma is an excellent goalkeeper, I just think you’re being extremely harsh [on Raya], to say the least.’
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