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...