“I don’t want to see him”

Pundit Darren Bent has urged Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to keep goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga out of the starting XI for the remainder of the season. The former Premier League star made his comments before the Gunners returned to winning ways with a 1-0 win over Sporting Club in the UEFA Champions League.

Bent spoke to talkSPORT about the Arsenal squad, pointing out that recent showings have proven that Kepa is unreliable to start in games. He clearly stated that while he does not necessarily blame the Spaniard, he has found out that he does not have the required level to start games for the Gunners.

“Stop playing Kepa. I know it’s not necessarily his fault, but I don’t want to see Kepa again this season. As a back-up, perfect. David Raya, between now and the end of the season, has to play every single minute. Even if Arsenal destroy Sporting in the Champions League, next week I need David Raya in goal. Play him from now in every game until the end of the season”, he said (via metro.co.uk).

Kepa was between the sticks for Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City three weeks ago. The 31-year-old cost his side in the game, fumbling a cross from Rayan Cherki to allow Nico O’Reilly open the scoring in the eventual 2-0 defeat.

The former Chelsea man was once again between the sticks deputizing for David Raya in the Gunners’ FA Cup quarterfinal defeat to Southampton. He was not at fault for either goal his side conceded on the 2-1 defeat to the Championship side.

Arsenal star hails Raya as world’s best goalkeeper following victory over Sporting

Arsenal forward Kai Havertz has hailed teammate David Raya as the world’s best after his display in their 1-0 win over Sporting Club. The Spaniard had to work hard as he kept his 22nd clean sheet across all competitions this season at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

Havertz, whose stoppage time goal settled the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg, spoke with Amazon Prime Video after the game in Lisbon. When asked about his teammate, he did not hold back as he praised the former Brentford man for his performance in the game.

“Unbelievable. I think still underestimated in the world of football but for me, the last two seasons, the best keeper in the world. He’s outstanding, he’s saved us so many times and we’re very glad to have him”, he said (via talkSPORT).

David Raya was named as Man of the Match after he made five saves, earning a clean sheet on his return to the XI. He has now kept seven clean sheets in ten Champions League games this season, and is central to his side’s hopes of success in the competition.