"He is excellent": Ivan Fresneda blown away by Arsenal star with 93% passing in UCL game
Sporting CP right-back Ivan Fresneda has heaped praise on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya following the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
The Gunners returned to winning ways with a slender 1-0 victory over the Portuguese champions on Tuesday night. Kai Havertz made the difference with a 91st-minute winner.
Sporting CP also had their chances to find the back of the net, but Raya was superb between the sticks.
The Spaniard made five crucial saves during the game, including a sensational fingertip stop early in the opening half when Maxi Araujo looked destined to score for the hosts.
Speaking after the match, Fresneda had good things to say about his Spanish compatriot. The right-back acknowledged that Raya is an ‘excellent’ and a ‘great’ goalkeeper.
He said via O Jogo (page 11): “He is excellent, he is a great goalkeeper. Congratulations to David and Arsenal.”
Raya returned to the Gunners’ starting XI after two matches. Kepa Arrizabalaga started in goal in the Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City, where he made a huge blunder with his handling.
Arrizabalaga was not at fault for the FA Cup quarter-final exit at Southampton, but some Arsenal fans feel the Gunners would have progressed to the semi-final with Raya in goal.
The 30-year-old returned between the sticks against Sporting CP and showed why he is one of the world’s best in his position. He was brilliant with his all-round showing.
Aside from his key saves, Raya completed 26 out of 28 passes with an accuracy of 93 percent. He also made five recoveries and three clearances for the London heavyweights.
Arsenal needed their number one goalkeeper at the top of his game. He delivered one of his best performances to secure a slender first-leg lead in the Champions League quarter-final.
The Gunners host Sporting CP in the second leg on Wednesday. Ahead of the game, they have a crucial Premier League clash against Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Arsenal are nine points clear of second-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand against Crystal Palace. The Gunners can temporarily go 12 points in front with a win over the Cherries.
Man City face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. With the Blues battling for Champions League football, they are bound to pose a fierce challenge to Pep Guardiola’s side at home.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
The post "He is excellent": Ivan Fresneda blown away by Arsenal star with 93% passing in UCL game first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.