Mikel Arteta needs just one word to sum up David Raya after rescuing Arsenal

Arsenal kicked off their Champions League campaign with a hard-earned point against Atalanta in Bergamo – and had David Raya to thank after an incredible double save in the second half

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta claimed David Raya’s incredible save was one of the best stops he has ever seen as he praised the “unbelievable” Gunners goalkeeper.

Raya saved Atalanta striker Mateo Retegui’s 51st minute penalty and then got up to make an even better stop from the rebound with a sensational one-handed save on the line.

It was enough to earn Arsenal a draw on a frustrating start to their Champions League after a game only memorable because of Raya’s double save.

Arteta said: “It’s probably one of the best saves I have seen in my career. He was unbelievable.

“As we suspected, it was a tough match. Not the nicest to watch. We started really, really well and we were really commanding the game. We gave a lot of ball away and couldn’t get any rhythm. There are a lot of positives and there are a lot of things for sure to improve.”

Raya played mind games as he went over to his keeper coach Inaki Cana on the sideline while the penalty was being checked by VAR.

Incredibly, only a year ago Raya was the villain after Arteta’s decision to bring in the Spaniard ahead of fans’ favourite Aaron Ramsdale was being debated. And he insisted his performance is just repaying Arsenal’s faith in making him No1.

Raya said: “It’s just a penalty. I was lucky I went the right way to save it. I was unlucky the rebound fell to him but I was quick enough to get up and save the rebound. It’s fantastic to save it and for the team to get a point.

“I took the decision to go to the sideline because it was a long time to decide if it was a penalty or not, so I went to speak to the goalie coach to get a better sense of what to do and what not to do. He helped me a lot in every aspect, so credit to him as well. He does all the work with everything.

“The players, the staff, the fans, the belief they have in me. Inaki, the goalie coach, has so much confidence in me and I just have to deliver for the club. I’m in a good way now, I’ve got things to improve as always, but I’m in a good place now.”

Declan Rice, who returned to the starting lineup after missing the win over Tottenham, added: “He is so level headed that he has not changed one bit [throughout the situation]. When Rammers [Aaron Ramsdale] came out of the team and David was starting he didn’t change his mannerisms or the way he was.

“It is massive pressure. He was our number one last season, he is now fully our number one, there is no doubt or questions around that anymore.

“That is three games this season where he has made crucial saves – he is doing everything right and is living away from the game the right way and that is showing on the pitch.”

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