Mikel Arteta hails 'exceptional' David Raya after Atalanta wonder save | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta hails 'exceptional' David Raya after Atalanta wonder save | OneFootball

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·20 September 2024

Mikel Arteta hails 'exceptional' David Raya after Atalanta wonder save

Article image:Mikel Arteta hails 'exceptional' David Raya after Atalanta wonder save

Mikel Arteta admits David Raya pulled off two of the best saves he has ever seen to seal a 0-0 draw for Arsenal against Atalanta.

Mateo Retegui stepped up to take a penalty early in the second half but saw Raya deny it down to the goalkeeper's right. The rebound dropped right on Retegui's head and a goal seemed almost certain, only for Raya to fly across to the other side of his goal and claw the ball away from the line.


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"I witnessed two of the best saves of my career from David in that moment," Arteta confessed after the game.

Raya himself was a little more modest, only putting the save among the top three he has ever made in his career.

"I saved it and then I was lucky enough to get up again and get the rebound, and then luckily enough then Declan [Rice], I think it was, managed to kick the ball for a corner, so obviously I'm delighted with the double save," Raya reflected.

"I think this one is one of the top three in my career. Of course, the Aston Villa [save] got us to win the game and everything so that's a little bit more special, but doing it in the Champions League is a dream."

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini made no attempts to hide just how stunned Raya's double save left him.

"He's a cat," the Atalanta boss said. "The first save is good but the rebound is unbelievable. I believe the goalkeeper has been crucial. I feel sorry for Mateo because I believe it's his best performance since he’s been with us."

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