Mikel Arteta applauds ‘exceptional’ David Raya after Atalanta MOTM performance
Mikel Arteta applauds ‘exceptional’ David Raya after Atalanta MOTM performance. Arsenal’s head coach Mikel Arteta has applauded goalkeeper David Raya‘s heroics last night to seal off a 0-0 draw for the gunners, dubbing it one of the best, he’s ever seen.
Mateo Retegui stepped up to take a penalty early in the second half but, saw Raya deny it, as he chose to go down the goalkeeper’s right. The rebound which also dropped right on Retegui’s head, as the striker headed it back towards goal, and the goal seemed almost certain, only for Raya to fly across to the other side of his goal, and tip the ball away from the line.
Arteta speaking of his goalkeeper after the game;
“I witnessed two of the best saves of my career from David in that moment”.
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.”
