Kai Havertz Hails 'Very Special' Arsenal Spirit After Champions League Heroics
Kai Havertz believes something "very special" is unfolding at Arsenal, following his dramatic stoppage-time winner against Sporting Lisbon that handed the Gunners a significant advantage in their Champions League quarter-final clash. The German forward's late strike secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg at the Jose Alvalade Stadium, providing a crucial boost after back-to-back defeats had threatened to derail Arsenal's season.
Raya's Unshakeable Confidence in Champions League Dream
Goalkeeper David Raya, who delivered a man-of-the-match performance with several key saves, has declared he is "100 per cent" confident that Arsenal can win the Champions League for the first time in the club's history. The Spanish international, controversially benched for recent cup losses, returned to the lineup with a stunning display, including an early save to deny Maxi Araujo and further interventions to preserve the clean sheet.
Raya's shutout against Sporting marked his 22nd clean sheet in 41 matches this season, which is four more than any other goalkeeper across Europe's top five leagues. Speaking to Amazon Prime, Raya emphasised the team's belief: "We have to go step-by-step and game-by-game and keep showing what we can do. If you don't believe, you are never going to win it, so you have to keep believing no matter what you go through."
Havertz on Overcoming Frustration and Building Momentum
Havertz acknowledged the team's recent struggles, stating: "We needed that as we were all frustrated with how the last couple of weeks went. But now it's time to move forward, it's time to be positive and it's time to all stick together." He highlighted the unity within the squad, staff, and fans as key to achieving something remarkable this season.
The victory comes at a pivotal moment for Mikel Arteta's side, who had faced consecutive defeats for the first time this season, placing their campaign on a knife edge. Havertz added: "As a group – as players, staff and the fans – we're all in this together and we still can make something happen this year. It can be something very special. That's what we're going to go for and now it's time to win games."
Looking Ahead: Premier League and Champions League Challenges
Arsenal now turn their attention to domestic duties, hosting Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday with an opportunity to extend their lead over Manchester City to 12 points. Meanwhile, City face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge the following day. The return leg against Sporting Lisbon at the Emirates Stadium next week will determine if Arsenal advance to a second-successive Champions League semi-final for the first time in club history.
Raya reflected on the team's resilience: "We came from two losses, we had to learn from that and use the pain in our belly to express ourselves and be better every single day. That is really important and the message we have to send out there." With renewed hope and a fortified belief, Arsenal's pursuit of silverware this season appears more determined than ever.
