Raya’s save brought back memories of Szczesny at Anfield for Arsenal fans | OneFootball

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya produced a stunning double save in the Champions League against Atalanta that had fans reminiscing about a near-identical moment from 12 years ago.

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 19: David Raya of Arsenal FC interacts during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between Atalanta BC and Arsenal FC at Stadio di Bergamo on September 19, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta hailed Raya’s crucial stop in last night’s 0-0 draw against Atalanta as “one of the best” he had ever witnessed.

The Spanish goalkeeper kept Arsenal in the game after Thomas Partey fouled Éderson in the penalty area early in the second half.

With the game finely balanced, Raya first saved Mateo Retegui’s penalty and then made an acrobatic one-handed save to deny the Atalanta striker’s follow-up header. Speaking to TNT Sports, Arteta said: “It’s probably one of the best saves I have seen in my career. He was unbelievable.”

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 19: David Raya of Arsenal FC celebrates with his team-mates after saving a penalty during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between Atalanta BC and Arsenal FC at Stadio di Bergamo on September 19, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

While Arteta praised Raya’s heroics, many Arsenal fans were quick to recall a similar moment from the club’s past, bringing Wojciech Szczesny’s iconic double save against Liverpool in 2012 back into focus.

That particular moment occurred in March 2012, when Arsenal faced Liverpool at Anfield. The Gunners, fresh from a 5-2 win over Tottenham, were fighting to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League. Fourth-placed Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta in the starting lineup, were trying to hold off a Liverpool side sitting four points behind them in seventh place.

After a Laurent Koscielny own goal had put Liverpool ahead in the 23rd minute, Robin van Persie levelled the score with a header soon after. Before the end of the half, Liverpool were awarded a penalty by referee Mark Halsey, and Dirk Kuyt stepped up to take it.

Szczesny saved Kuyt’s initial penalty and, in an almost identical fashion to Raya’s recent exploits, he scrambled across his line to block the Dutchman’s follow-up effort, preserving Arsenal’s chance to stay in the contest.

The double save was hailed as a season-defining moment for Szczesny, as it kept Arsenal’s hopes of Champions League football alive that season. You can see both saves in the video below:

Van Persie won the game for Arsenal with a volley in the 90th minute after a pass from Alex Song.

Adding to the nostalgia, Szczesny recently confirmed that he had held talks about a potential return to Arsenal before deciding to retire. Released by Juventus, the Polish shot-stopper considered the possibility of rejoining his former club as a backup to Raya.

Arsenal’s Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny reacts. (Andrew Yates/AFP/Getty Images)

However, after reflecting on the decision, he chose to retire, stating that while his body was ready to continue, his heart was no longer in the game.

Reflecting on the idea of a return to north London, Szczesny explained: “I was open to talks with Arsenal because of the respect and sentiment for the club. But when I started talking, I knew it wasn’t for me.” He added that the move “didn’t make much sense” as he recognised the challenges he would face competing with Raya for the number one spot.

Ultimately, the memories of Szczesny’s time at Arsenal are defined by moments like his stunning save against Liverpool, a feat that now has its modern-day counterpart in David Raya’s Champions League brilliance.

With Arsenal aiming for success on multiple fronts this season, Raya’s display shows that Arteta has a worthy successor between the posts.