Arsenal’s David Raya made a ‘one of the best saves ever’ to deny Atlanta’s Mateo Retegui from the penalty spot.
The Italian team was granted a penalty in the second half of their Champions League match against Arsenal.Thomas Partey was found to have pulled down Brazilian midfielder Ederson while attempting to surge into the box.
VAR concurred with the judgment, giving Atalanta an ideal opportunity to open the scoring from the penalty spot. Retegui claimed responsibility, but Raya guessed correctly and parried his initial attempt.
The Italian international appeared to be poised to nod in the rebound as the ball rebounded back to him, but Raya scampered over his line to hook the ball away.
In commentary, Robbie Savage stated, “I have to say it is one of the best saves I have ever seen, the second one. That’s unbelievable! How does he get up so quickly? Wow! “One of the best saves I’ve ever witnessed!”
Later, he stated, “He [Retegui] had to generate all of the power, but when you look at the replay, he headed it back to where Raya was.” It’s a great save, and the reaction was amazing.”
Former Arsenal great Martin Keown was also impressed. He praised David Raya’s patience in waiting for Mateo Retegui, who took a long time to take the kick after the goalie went down.
“It was like a game of who would blink first. He makes an excellent first save before getting up to make the second one. If Arsenal wins this game, it will mark a significant turning point.
Raya spoke with Arsenal goalkeeper coach Inaki Cana during the lengthy VAR check.
Former Everton player and current analyst Leon Osman was equally thrilled by the stop. He exclaimed, “Wow.” The first save is superb, low to his right. Once saved, the ball bounces to his left, prompting David Raya to scramble across. Retegui believes he has a tap in.
Raya’s save is only the latest in a string of incredible saves he has made since joining Arsenal.During Arsenal’s pre-international break win over Aston Villa, he surprised fans by denying Ollie Watkins’ goalbound header.
Raya was named Premier League Save of the Month for August following that stop. Despite this, Raya does not consider it his best ever save. He stated, “Everyone is a hero because we work together.” I’m not the only one who is saving the ball. It was a critical point in the game when it was 0-0 and they had chances, and I was able to stop Ollie’s header.
David Raya originally saved Mateo Retegui’s penalty.(Image: TNT Sports)
“What comes to mind is an out-of-the-box shot. I’m on the floor and try to get up, but I can’t reach it. I just saw Ollie go in there, so I respond as quickly as possible. I put my hand there, and there’s no one there to get the ball.
“It’s just a recurrence of events. Drills require you to save one ball before getting up to save another. This time, it paid off. This is a response save; I don’t think it’s my finest one. I strive to assist the squad win as many games as possible.”