‘I disagree totally’ – Shay Given shuts down bizarre claim about Arsenal star David Raya | Football

Shay Given was quick to shut down criticism of David Raya following Arsenal’s victory over Sporting, with his fellow pundit claiming Caoimhin Kelleher was the superior goalkeeper of the two.

Raya is widely considered to have been the standout goalkeeper in the Premier League this season, producing a string of decisive performances to help the Gunners take a nine-point lead at the top.

The Gunners have shipped just 22 goals in the English top flight and the Spain international has been central to the side’s defensive rigidity, playing every single minute with only seven matches remaining of the campaign.

Mikel Arteta decided to rest Raya for two major setbacks in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup prior to Arsenal’s trip to Lisbon – and his absence was felt as the north Londoners’ quadruple hopes went up in smoke.

But 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 important saves to keep the scoreline level before Kai Havertz’s breakthrough in the first minute of stoppage time.

Shortly after the final whistle, Raya was handed the official Player of the Match award for his contribution in the Portuguese capital, with Havertz later declaring his team-mate ‘the best in the world’.

‘It’s unbelievable,’ the German told Amazon Prime when asked about Raya’s showing between the sticks.

‘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.’

Arteta was also glowing with his praise, admitting Arsenal were ‘very lucky’ to have such an ‘extraordinary’ goalkeeper in their ranks.

‘He had two moments where he made two big saves. And that’s the Champions League, the Champions League is always decided in the boxes and because there’s so much quality here,’ Arteta said.

‘At the moment he’s phenomenal and extraordinary since he joined us. We are very lucky to have him.’

However, it appears Raya is still yet to completely win over all fans and pundits, with Kenny Cunningham picking out what he felt was a ‘small weakness’ in the Spaniard’s game on Premier Sports Ireland.

The ex-Republic of Ireland, Wimbledon and Birmingham defender raised eyebrows with his bold assertion that Brentford’s Kelleher was the better goalkeeper.

‘In terms shot-stopping: very good, athletic. Does he make a fair number of good quality saves? Yeah, absolutely,’ Cunninham said shortly after Arsenal’s 1-0 win.

‘Decent with the ball at his feet, yeah. I think Caoimhin Kelleher is better in terms of his ball distribution.

‘In terms of 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 think he goes into his shell a little bit when the opposition put players into the six-yard box and I don’t think he dominates. I think 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 know is on the slide a little bit, to an extent.

‘Caoimhin Kelleher, for me, is the better goalkeeper. You need to tell me what attribute in his [Raya] game is better than Caoimhin Kelleher in terms 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 in the Premier Sports Ireland studio, made it clear he disagreed with his fellow countryman’s remarks about Raya.

‘I’m not sure you can compare Caoimhin Kelleher and David Raya. I’m here to talk about David Raya because he played tonight,’ the former Newcastle goalkeeper responded.

‘I said this before the game and I’m not saying I’m right and he’s [Cunningham] is wrong, I’m just saying the performance tonight was absolutely brilliant.

‘We talk about the save in the first half…’

Before Given could finish his sentence, Cunningham cut in: ‘One save, one very good save in the first half! That’s it. That [the praise from Kai Havertz] is his team-mate there, blowing smoke.’

But according to Given, Raya’s contribution this season is undoubtedly one of the key factors in Arsenal finding themselves in such a strong position in both the Premier League and Champions League.

‘You speak to people who know about goalkeepers and ask them… I think he’s one of the reasons they’re nine points clear at the top of the Premier League,’ Given explained.

‘One of the reasons why they’re probably one foot in the semi-finals of the Champions League is because of David Raya as well.

‘There are big games coming up around the corner over the next seven weeks and he’ll play a huge 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 one of the springiest, he picks crosses up from lots of stuff that other goalkeepers don’t come for.

‘I disagree with that totally. There was one at the start 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 game so well. It’s not just about shot-stopping, it’s about decision-making, setting the tone of the game.

‘As a goalkeeper, he does everything.’

Cunningham was not done there, though, insisting Raya remained a level below the likes of Donnarumma and Courtois due to a lack of ‘aura’ and ‘personality’.

‘I think it is just in terms of the confidence. I think it’s an aura, a personality, a presence,’ he went on.

‘It’s difficult to put your finger on it. Hopefully I’m giving you an understanding of what I’m talking about.

‘I’m talking particularly in terms of crosses coming into the box, corner kicks, long throw-ins, it’s such an important part of the game.

‘Those other goalkeepers that you’re speaking about [Donnarumma and Courtois], for me, are ones who take responsibility.’

But again, Given hit back, pointing out how Donnarumma was a poor example to use based on some of the Italian’s performances for Manchester City this season.

‘I think Donnarumma has struggled this year, 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 in the box and the physicality of it so I don’t think that’s a good example.

‘I think Donnarumma is a brilliant goalkeeper, I just think you’re being extremely harsh [on Raya], to say the least.’

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