Raya reveals secret behind INCREDIBLE double save for Arsenal

Suraj Radia

19 Sep 2024 16:40 CDT
3 min read

David Raya revealed the secret behind his incredible double-save, which rescued Arsenal a draw in their Champions League game against Atalanta.

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The Spaniard saved Mateo Retegui’s second-half spot-kick after Thomas Partey’s foul, and he was also at full stretch to deny the Italian’s headed rebound from point-blank range.

The miraculous play saw the Gunners hold out for a goalless draw in Italy and Raya insisted the credit should go to Inaki Cana after the Arsenal goalkeeping coach was seen giving his player instructions prior to the penalty.

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Raya told TNT Sports: “It’s just a penalty. I was lucky to go to the right way but I was unlucky that the rebound went straight to him. I was quick enough to get up and save it. It’s fantastic to keep the clean sheet and help the team get at least a point.

“I took the decision to go to the sidelines. It was a long time to defend to see if it was a penalty. So I went to speak to the goalie coach to have a more of a sense of where to go and where not to go, what to do and what not to do. He helped me a lot in every aspect, so credit to him. He does a lot of work.

“Everyone has belief in me. Inaki [Cana], the goalie coach, is helping me and I just have to deliver for the club, the fans and everyone. I’m in a good way now. I’ve got things to improve as always but it’s good right now.”

Double save continues Raya’s fine form

The performance continued Raya’s impressive start to the new season, which has seen Arsenal concede just once in their opening six matches.

Raya had also won the Premier League Save of the Month award in August after pulling off another point-blank stop for Arsenal against Aston Villa.

The 29-year-old joined Arsenal on a permanent basis in the summer, having spent last season on loan from Brentford, costing Arteta’s side a total of €35 million.

Raya has saved four of the last eight penalties he has faced, including shootouts, highlighting why Arteta felt the Spanish international was a superior option to Aaron Ramsdale, who was sold to Southampton during the summer.