DAVID RAYA pulled off a truly miraculous double save to prevent Arsenal from falling behind to Atalanta.
The goalkeeper first saved a penalty down to his right to deny Mateo Retegui.
The ball then popped back up perfectly for the striker to tap in with his head.
But Raya had other ideas and reacted brilliantly to scramble across and claw away the ball just centimetres from the goal line.
The double save left the commentators gobsmacked with Robbie Savage describing it as “one of the best saves I’ve ever seen”.
Mikel Arteta was also left in awe by the stop, saying: “It was probably the best save in my career, both the penalty and the second action from David.”
Raya had a helping hand with his effort as he went over to the touchline to discuss tactics with Arsenal’s goalkeeping coach Inaki Pena before the spot-kick was taken.
The Arsenal No1 had time to consult his coach, who was celebrating his 49th birthday, as the referee waited for a VAR check to be completed.
Raya said of that chat and his save: “I was lucky to go to the right way and save it.
“I was unlucky to get the rebound straight to him but I was just quick enough to get up and save the rebound.
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Arsenal ratings vs Atalanta as Raya saves uninspiring Gunners in Italy
ARSENAL had some David Raya heroics to thank for a points in the Champions League opener.
Raya’s stunning double save just after the break spared Thomas Partey’s blushes after the midfielder gave away a penalty.
And that was the closest either side came to a goal in the 0-0 draw.
Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Mikel Arteta’s men…
David Raya – 9
Produced a simply stunning double save to stop Mateo Retegui’s penalty and then flung himself across to push away the follow-up rebound header – even better than his effort to deny Ollie Watkins.
Robbie Savage labelled it the “best save I’ve ever seen” while Gunners fans lauded their Spanish hero, who has conceded just once in five games so far this term.
Ben White – 7
Given the daunting task of trying to keep Ademola Lookman quiet inside a rocking Gewiss Stadium but completed the job with his classic relaxed, languid demeanour.
William Saliba – 8
One of the world’s top centre-backs but did not need to be anywhere near his best – solid enough when called upon, including excellent late sliding tackle in own box.
Retegui showed great movement but Saliba will have far sterner tests this season, none more so than up against Erling Haaland on Sunday.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 7
Like his partner Saliba, Gabriel helped ensure the Arsenal defence came out on top.
Starting to run out of words to say about this pair who just concede so few chances.
Jurrien Timber – 7
Adds an extra dimension to this Arsenal side – showing just how much he was missed when sidelined last season.
Arguably had the easiest evening’s work of the four defenders.
Thomas Partey – 4
Martin Keown described the Gunners’ retraction en masse during the transition as Arteta putting up his own “Thames Barrier”.
But Partey nearly allowed the floodgates to open by giving away the penalty three minutes into the second half – only to be rescued by Raya’s heroics.
Declan Rice – 6
Top awareness to sniff out the Atalanta danger and help control midfield.
But squandered a great chance to drive Arsenal forward when he won the ball on the halfway line and could have launched a potent counter.
Kai Havertz – 6
With Jesus starting up front, Havertz dropped into a deeper role – but he is perfectly comfortable there, too, and can carry the ball forwards.
Little to show for his evening, though, but continued to put a shift in defensively until the final whistle.
Buakyo Saka – 6
Drew the foul from Ederson who collected an early yellow and from the resulting free-kick almost squeezed a low effort into bottom corner but for top save.
Given a breather for final 20 minutes with an eye on Sunday.
Gabriel Jesus – 5
Captain on the night was his typical busy self early on getting himself around but virtually all of his involvement was outside the Atalanta penalty area.
Withdrawn before the hour mark.
Gabriel Martinelli – 4
Struggled to get in the game and then when he did get in, squandered a really good chance when he blazed over.
Definitely not hitting top form so far this season and may well find himself among the subs against Manchester City.
“It’s fantastic to be able to keep a clean sheet and help the team to at least get a point.
“I took the decision to go to the sideline because it took a long time to decide if it was a pen.
“I went to speak with the goalie coach to work out which way to go and what to do. He helped me a lot in every aspect so credit to him as well that he does all the work with everything, so credit to him with the save.”
Atalanta were awarded a penalty as referee Clement Turpin judged Thomas Partey had fouled Ederson.
It was probably the best save in my career, both the penalty and the second action from David.
Mikel Arteta
A VAR review confirmed the Gunners midfielder clipped the Brazilian and a penalty was awarded despite a foul first taking place outside the box before continuing into the penalty area.
But Raya came to the rescue to keep the score goalless and protect his clean sheet.
And his save ended up being crucial as Arsenal held onto a 0-0 draw to open their Champions League campaign.
The keeper has been in terrific form this season, conceding just one goal in four games.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
