Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised the penalty save heroics of goalkeeper David Raya in their goalless draw at Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League on Thursday, Afrosport reports.
The reigning Europa League champions were offered a penalty in the 51st minute after Brazilian midfielder Ederson was brought down in the box by Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey.
Mateo Retegui stepped up to take the resultant spot kick but Raya was alert to make a double save and keep Arsenal in the game.
Speaking on the Spanish goalkeeper’s performance, Arteta said: Defensively we didn’t suffer, that’s the reality, but obviously after the second half we give a penalty away and I witnessed two of the best saves I’ve probably seen in my career with David [Raya] to save us from that moment.”
He added: “I think the save that he made against Villa, and now this, kept us in the game, there’s a reality and you need that from your ‘keeper it at this level. And I’m really happy that he’s in the form that he is at the moment.”
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 was signed permanently from Brentford this summer after spending last season on loan and has now kept four clean sheets in five competitive outings.
