Arsenal began their Champions League campaign with a hard-earned point against Atalanta in Bergamo, and they had David Raya to thank for a spectacular double save in the second half.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said David Raya’s amazing save was one of the greatest he has ever seen, praising the “unbelievable” Gunners goalkeeper.
Raya stopped Atalanta striker Mateo Retegui’s penalty in the 51st minute before getting up to make an even greater stop on the rebound with a spectacular one-handed save on the line.
It was enough to win Arsenal a draw after a difficult start to their Champions League campaign, in a game made memorable by Raya’s double save.
Arteta commented, “It’s certainly one of the finest saves I’ve seen in my career. He was wonderful.
“As we expected, it was a challenging contest. Not the most pleasant to see. We got off to a great start and were completely in command of the game. We threw away a lot of balls and couldn’t get into a rhythm. There are many advantages, but there are also many areas for improvement.
Raya performed mind games when he approached his goalkeeper coach, Inaki Cana, on the sideline as the penalty was being reviewed by VAR.
Surprisingly, only a year ago, Raya was the villain as Arteta’s choice to bring in the Spaniard over fans’ favourite Aaron Ramsdale was being questioned. And he argued that his success is only returning Arsenal’s confidence in making him No. 1.
Raya responded, “It’s only a penalty. I was fortunate to have taken the proper course of action to rescue it. I was unlucky; the rebound landed to him, but I was quick enough to get up and save it. It’s amazing that you saved it and the team got a point.
“I decided to walk to the bench since it took a long time to determine if it was a penalty or not, so I went to speak with the goalkeeper coach to have a better idea of what to do and what not to do. He was quite helpful in every way, therefore I give him credit as well. He does all the work on everything.
The players, staff, and fans believe in me. Inaki, the goalkeeper coach, believes in me, and all I have to do is produce for the team. I’m in a good position right now; I still have stuff to work on, but I’m doing well.”
Declan Rice, who returned to the starting lineup after missing the win over Tottenham, said: “He is so calm that he has not altered one bit [during the circumstances]. When Rammers [Aaron Ramsdale] left the team and David took over, he maintained his mannerisms and personality.
“There is tremendous pressure. He was our number one last season, and he is now unquestionably our number one.
“That is three games this season where he has made crucial saves – he is doing everything right and is living away from the game the right way and that is showing on the pitch.”
