David Raya produced a fine double save for Arsenal against Atalanta(Image: Getty Images)

David Raya shows true colours after double save to rescue Arsenal in Champions League

Arsenal news after the Gunners drew 0-0 at Atalanta in the Champions League on Thursday, with David Raya producing a superb performance

20 Sep 2024, 11:00 by Kieran King · football.london

David Raya produced a world-class performance during Arsenal's goalless draw against Atalanta on Thursday. The Gunners picked up a point in their opening Champions League game as Raya made a terrific double save in the second-half to deny the home side a historic victory.

Shortly into the second-half, Ederson was brought down by Thomas Partey in the Arsenal penalty area. Without hesitation, referee Clement Turpin pointed to the spot. While the Video Assistant Referee reviewed the on-field decision, Raya was spotted receiving some instructions from Inaki Cana – his goalkeeper coach.

VAR decided to stick with Turpin's original decision and Mateo Retegui had the opportunity to give Atalanta the lead from 12 yards. Raya denied the 25-year-old striker from converting his penalty, but he parried the ball back into his path. As Retegui looked to score the rebound, heading the ball towards goal, Raya somehow managed to get up and pull off an incredible reflex save. He clawed the ball off the line before Declan Rice cleared the danger.

Although Atalanta had other chances to win the game, that was the moment which all-but secured Arsenal a vital point on the road in the Champions League. And after the match, the Arsenal players applauded the travelling fans for their terrific support throughout.

As the rest of the squad appeared to walk back to the tunnel, Raya stayed out on his own to personally clap the supporters, who sang his name after producing a superb performance. Raya was spotted taking it all in before making his way back to the away dressing room.

This isn't the first time Raya has made a similar type of double save. During Arsenal's win over Aston Villa last month, Ollie Watkins forced a spectacular stop out of the Spaniard when he – like Retegui – headed the ball towards a seemingly open net after missing the first attempt.

Speaking on Raya after the draw against Atalanta, Mikel Arteta said: "That’s a question for him but last year was already very impressive and really good, even with a different context.

"This season he has started exceptionally - the save he made against Villa, today he kept us in the game. That’s the reality. You need that from your keeper at this level. I’m really happy he’s in the form he’s in at the moment."

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