David Raya caught the eye once again after a brilliant double save from a penalty helped Arsenal secure a 0-0 draw with Atalanta.
Afterwards, he spoke to TNT Sport, this is what he had to say.
That was a tough game?
Yes, we know it’s a tough place to come. They are a magnificent team. They made it very, very difficult for us, but I think we made it very difficult for them as well. They didn’t create that many chances, obviously the penalty, that’s it. It’s just a point away from home, first Champions League game. I think we could have played a little bit more and a little bit better, but I think we managed well the game. We tried our best today, so if we cannot win the game, let’s not lose it.
Talk us through the double save.
It was just a penalty and I was lucky to go the right way and save it. I wasn’t lucky to put the rebound straight to him, but I was just quick enough to get up and save the rebound, so it’s fantastic to be able to keep the clean sheet and to have the team to at least get a point.
You spoke to the goalkeeping coach during the VAR check …
I just went to speak with the goalie coach to have a more centred way of where to go and where not to go, and what to do and what not to do. He helped me a lot in every aspect, so I’m proud of him as well. He does all the work with everything and it’s great to see him as well.
How are you getting better and better?
I think everyone, everyone, of course the players, the staff, and the fans, the belief that they have in me. And as well, of course, the Iñaki, the goalie coach, he’s just so confident in me, and I just have to deliver for the club and for the fans, for everybody.
I’ve got things to improve as always but of course I’m in a good place right now.
World class!
I wasn’t convinced that he was a better choice over Ramsdale for a long time but i have finally come around to him.
The Raya Robot
Big dog. He’s been absolutely outstanding this season. Deserves all the plaudits, long may this continue.
You can say Arteta has assembled a brilliant squad of coaches. The set piece coach? World class… And now, it seems the GK coach is brilliant too. Really bodes well.
But it is absolutely great to have a GK who is a great shot stopper and also a maestro in the penalty-saving department. That’s 4 pen saves now in less than 60 games for us already. Take a bow, David!
The trade-off with having a shorter keeper is being quicker to get up for rebounds and it’s really paying off
Except Raya looks excellent in the areas that are supposed to be an advantage for a taller keeper–assured on crosses, command of his penalty area and goal crease.
I think a lot of our fans underestimate Atalanta. They outplayed Pool and Leverkusen last season. They’re an incredible pressing team that makes life very uncomfortable for the opposition, especially if you’re missing your main man in midfield in Ødegaard. Think a point away from home isn’t bad at all.
Havertz continues his poor big game record when having to defend more(that’s now 1 goal in the last 11 Champions league games, Arteta should have brought in a big game striker as the burden is too much for just Havertz to perform well for 50 games, with no real big game back up), but it’s not just him, Jesus was also a no show and the passing of the whole forward line was poor tonight. We lacked that cutting edge up front, which goes missing in the big games and is more highlighted for all to see, especially in Europe,… Read more »
Raya the yo-yo was the bionic man with his lightning fast reflexes. Our overall defence must be one of the best in Europe right now, when all are fit to play.