Take a bow, David Raya!
Arsenal were fairly flat-footed in the first half of their Champions League opener at Atalanta, but their goalkeeper pulled off some dramatics early in the second half.
A challenge by Thomas Partey awarded the hosts a penalty, and after a long VAR check, Mateo Retegui stepped up to the spot.
But Raya dove the correct way and prevented the ball from finding the bottom left corner before quickly jumping back up on his feet and denying the follow-up header at the other end of the goal.
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya produced a mesmeric double save to deny Atalanta an opening goal in their Champions League showdown. The Spaniard was at his brilliant best to save the blushes of his team-mates and keep the scores level in Bergamo.
The first half provided little action, with Arsenal struggling to get going and Atalanta equal to their attempts to find a breakthrough. After the break, the match sprung into life with Thomas Partey conceding a penalty for hauling Ederson to the ground in the box.
A lengthy VAR review followed to determine whether the foul was commited outside the area, with the referee eventually pointing to the spot. Mateo Retegui stepped up for Atalanta but Raya pulled off an astonishing double save to prevent Arsenal from going behind.
Retegui fired low and hard after a stuttering run-up, with Raya guessing the right way and getting a strong hand on the ball. He parried it right into the path of Retegui, who looked certain to head home the rebound from just a few yards out.
Unfortunately for him, Raya leapt back to his feet and raced across his line to claw it around the post. He was immediately mobbed by his Arsenal team-mates, who could not believe what they had just seen.
David Raya's Heroics: A Double Save For The Ages
It’s starting to become a pattern for the Gunners’ shot-stopper as well.
On Thursday night, Arsenal travelled to Bergamo to take on Italian Serie A side and Europa League winners Atalanta in the Champions League. The Gunners are the last English side to begin their Champions League campaign after Aston Villa and Liverpool won on Tuesday night before Manchester City were held by Inter Milan at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.
After what was a cagey first half, Atalanta were awarded a penalty in the 48th minute after Thomas Partey fouled Brazilian midfielder Ederson.
Mateo Retegui stepped up and saw his penalty brilliantly saved by Raya, the ball bounced back towards Retegui who looked set to head in the rebound but the Arsenal goalkeeper was quick to produce a stunning save to deny the striker. You can watch the footage below.
Speaking on TNT Sports, former Wales and Blackburn Rovers midfielder Robbie Savage was left stunned as he said: “I have got to say that is one of the best saves I have ever seen, the second one. That is unbelievable! How he gets up so quickly.. Wow! One of the best saves I have ever seen!”
Former Everton man Leon Osman said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “Wow. The first save is outstanding, low to his right. Once it has been saved the ball bounces to his left and David Raya gets up scrambling across. Retegui thinks he has a tap in!”
Arsenal legend Martin Keown was also quick to praise Raya, he said: “David Raya did well to stay patient and wait for Mateo Retegui, who took forever to take the kick, waiting for the goalkeeper to go down.
“It was like a game of who blinks first? A superb initial save then gets on his feet to make the second one. If Arsenal get anything out of this game and that will be seen as a big turning point.”
The Future is Bright For Arsenal's David Raya
David Raya's double save to keep it 0-0 for Arsenal vs. Atalanta 🔥 pic.twitter.com/xkKSoRZhCr
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) September 19, 2024
4/8 – Including shootouts, David Raya has saved four of his last eight penalties faced for Arsenal in all competitions. Wall. pic.twitter.com/oWkY5FnUNc
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 19, 2024
Raya's double save wasn't just a moment of individual brilliance, it was a pivotal turning point in the match. It gave Arsenal a much-needed boost of confidence and allowed them to take control of the game in the second half. The team ultimately went on to win the match 2-0.
The Next Chapter: A New Era of Goalkeeping?
David Raya's performance against Atalanta highlights a new generation of goalkeepers who are not afraid to take risks and make spectacular saves. Raya's athleticism and quick reactions are reminiscent of some of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. This is an exciting time for goalkeepers and for football fans alike. The future is bright for David Raya and for the future of goalkeeping.
