Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has been praised after his performance against Atalanta in the Champions League on Thursday night.
The Spaniard made a crucial double save in the 51st minute of the game. He saved the initial penalty from Mateo Retegui, and then saved the follow up too. Raya’s heroics secured a 0-0 draw for Arsenal.
The 29-year old has had a brilliant start to the season; his crucial saves in the wins over Aston Villa and Tottenham kept Arsenal in the game. The Gunners have only conceded one goal in the Premier League this season.
David Raya hailed as Man of the Match
After the game, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice spoke on David Raya’s heroics and how good the keeper has been since he arrived at the club:
“He’s so level-headed, he hasn’t changed one bit,” Rice added. “Rammers [Ramsdale] going out and him coming in, he didn’t change his mannerisms or the way he was. It was massive pressure. He’s fully our number one now, and there’s no question about that anymore. He is really focused, and he’s showing it on the pitch.”
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was also full of praise for the keeper, saying Raya’s form has justified his position as the club’s number one:
“Certainly last year was already very impressive. Even with that different context for sure. This season he’s been exceptional. The save he made against Villa and today kept us in the game. You need that from a goalkeeper at this level. I’m really happy he’s in that form at the moment.”
Ramsdale departure seems to be the catalyst for keeper’s form
This summer, Aaron Ramsdale left Arsenal on a permanent deal to Southampton. David Raya kept Ramsdale out of the team when he arrived last season, playing almost every game of their Premier League campaign.
Charles Watts spoke on Ramsdale’s departure and how it might affect David Raya, saying that the Spanish keeper would improve:
“His [Raya’s] fantastic start to the season that he is enjoying, obviously, he’s firmly established at Arsenal now as the No. 1. I think we are just going to see him improve, improve, improve.
“I honestly felt we wouldn’t see the best of David Raya until Aaron Ramsdale departed. Just because of that whole situation, I don’t think it helped either ‘keeper. I don’t think it helped Aaron Ramsdale when he came in for the few appearances he got.
“I don’t think either ‘keeper was able to play at their very best, until one of them went.”
It seems like the prediction was spot on considering Raya’s brilliant start to this season.
