In an effort that was described as “one of the greatest saves ever,” Arsenal’s David Raya denied Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui from the penalty spot.
During the second half of their Champions League match against the Gunners, the Italian team was awarded a penalty. Thomas Partey was found to have collided with Brazilian midfielder Ederson as he attempted to surge into the area.
VAR concurred with the decision, providing Atalanta with an ideal opportunity to initiate the scoring from the penalty spot. Retegui asserted responsibility; however, Raya correctly predicted and parried his initial attempt.
The Italian international appeared to be poised to head in the rebound as the ball rebounded back to him. However, Raya managed to evade him and intercept the ball by darting across his line.
Robbie Savage stated in his commentary, “I must admit that the second save is one of the most impressive I have ever witnessed.” That is beyond belief! The rapidity with which he rises… Wow! “One of the most impressive saves I have ever witnessed!”
He later stated, “He [Retegui] was required to generate all of the power, but upon reviewing the replay, he directed it back to Raya.” The reaction was extraordinary, and the save is truly remarkable.
Martin Keown, who was previously associated with Arsenal, was similarly impressed. He stated, “David Raya did well to stay patient and wait for Mateo Retegui, who took an inordinate amount of time to take the kick, waiting for the goalkeeper to fall.”
“It was akin to a game of who blinks first?” He makes an exceptional initial save and then rises to make the second one. If Arsenal achieves any success in this match, it will be regarded as a significant turning point.
Leon Osman, a former Everton player and current pundit, was equally astounded by the stop. He exclaimed, “Wow.” The initial save is exceptional, as it is executed low to his right. After the ball is saved, it rolls to his left, and David Raya springs up and scrambles across. “Retegui believes that he has a tap-in!”
Raya’s most recent save is the most recent in a string of extraordinary saves that he has executed since joining Arsenal. Before the international break, he left Arsenal supporters perplexed when he denied Ollie Watkins’ goalbound header during the team’s victory over Aston Villa.
Raya was awarded the Premier League’s Save of the Month for August during that stay. Nevertheless, Raya does not consider it to be his most impressive save to date. He stated, “We are all heroes because we collaborate.” The object is not solely being saved by me. Ollie’s header was saved by me at a critical juncture in the game, when the score was 0-0 and they had opportunities.
“I recall that it is a perspective from outside the box.” I am on the ground, and I attempt to rise, but I am unable to do so. I observe Ollie entering the area, and I react promptly by placing my hand there. However, no one is present to retrieve the ball.
“It is merely a reiteration of events.” You are required to perform exercises in which you must save one object and then rise to save another. This time, it proved advantageous. This is a reaction save; however, I do not believe it is my most effective. I make an effort to assist the team in winning games to the extent that I can.
