David Raya reflects on his lucky world-class double save (Image: TNT Sports)
Arsenal’s David Raya has humbly attributed his stunning double save in the Champions League to luck following his standout performance against Atalanta. The Spanish goalkeeper was instrumental in securing a point for the Gunners, with his efforts earning him the man of the match title in their goalless draw.
Raya’s heroics came into play when he thwarted Mateo Retegui from the penalty spot, not once but twice. After Thomas Partey conceded a penalty by fouling Ederson, Raya initially blocked Retegui’s shot, only for the ball to loop back towards the striker.
In a breathtaking moment, Raya sprang up to deflect Retegui’s header, leaving spectators and commentators in awe, with Robbie Savage proclaiming it as “one of the best saves” he’d ever witnessed.
David Raya pulled off the double save to keep Atalanta at bay on the European stage (Image: Getty Images)
Reflecting on his remarkable saves in an interview with TNT Sport, Raya modestly said: “It’s just a penalty and I was lucky to go the right way and save it.”
He added, “I was unlucky to get the rebound straight to him but I was just quick enough to get up and save the rebound. It’s fantastic to be able to keep the clean sheet and help the team to at least get a point.”
In a tactical move during the VAR review before the penalty, Raya was seen engaging with Arsenal’s goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana on the sidelines, perhaps discussing strategies that contributed to his subsequent success in goal.
Revealing the details of that conversation, he said: “I took the decision to go to the sideline because it was a long wait and long wait to decide if it was a pen or not. So I just went to speak with the goalie coach to have more sense of where to go and where not to go and what to do and what not to do.
“Credit to him, he does all the work for everything and it’s great to have the save with him.”
He continued: “I think everyone [has helped his form], of course the players and the staff and the fans, the belief that they have in me. And Inaki, he’s just so confident in me.
“I just have to deliver for the club, fans and for everybody. I’m in a good way now, I’ve got things to improve as always but I’m in a good place right now.”
Raya has managed to keep four clean sheets in five games across all competitions for Arsenal this season. He will be looking to extend this impressive record in the upcoming clash against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1950980/david-raya-credits-arsenal-goalkeeping-coach-after-stunning-champions-league-performance-a