Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has lavished praise on goalkeeper David Raya following his outstanding performance in the Gunners’ draw against Atalanta in the Champions League.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Arteta singled out Raya’s match-defining double save that kept the scoreline level. in the second half.
“It’s probably one of the best saves I have seen in my career. He was unbelievable,” Arteta said, on the moment when the Spanish stopper denied Mateo Retegui from both a penalty and the ensuing rebound early in the second half.
Raya’s save proved pivotal in a game where Arsenal struggled to find their attacking rhythm against a resolute Atalanta side.
The hosts were awarded a penalty in the 51st minute after a foul by Thomas Partey on Ederson, but Raya’s heroics ensured Arsenal came away with a point in a match that could easily have gone the other way.
Reflecting on the overall performance, Arteta acknowledged the difficulty his side faced throughout the game. “As we suspected, it was a tough match. Not the nicest to watch,” the Arsenal boss admitted.
“One of the best saves I’ve seen in my career.”
Mikel Arteta gives his thoughts on Raya’s penalty save and the Gunners’ performance 🗣
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“We started really, really well and we were really commanding the game.”
However, Arteta was quick to point out that his team struggled to maintain their early dominance, particularly in possession. “We gave a lot of ball away and couldn’t get any rhythm,” he added.
Despite the frustrations, Arteta remains optimistic, citing positives to take from the game.
He said: “There are a lot of positives and there are a lot of things for sure to improve.”
The draw leaves Arsenal with work to do in their remaining matches that will be played until January, but Arteta will be hoping to build on anjother solid defensive display led by Raya.
