Mikel Arteta hails 'exceptional' David Raya after Atalanta wonder save

Mikel Arteta admits David Raya pulled off two of the best saves he has ever seen to seal a 0-0 draw for Arsenal against Atalanta.

Mateo Retegui stepped up to take a penalty early in the second half but saw Raya deny it down to the goalkeeper's right. The rebound dropped right on Retegui's head and a goal seemed almost certain, only for Raya to fly across to the other side of his goal and claw the ball away from the line.

"I witnessed two of the best saves of my career from David in that moment," Arteta confessed after the game.

Raya himself was a little more modest, only putting the save among the top three he has ever made in his career.

"I saved it and then I was lucky enough to get up again and get the rebound, and then luckily enough then Declan [Rice], I think it was, managed to kick the ball for a corner, so obviously I'm delighted with the double save," Raya reflected.

"I think this one is one of the top three in my career. Of course, the Aston Villa [save] got us to win the game and everything so that's a little bit more special, but doing it in the Champions League is a dream."

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini made no attempts to hide just how stunned Raya's double save left him.

"He's a cat," the Atalanta boss said. "The first save is good but the rebound is unbelievable. I believe the goalkeeper has been crucial. I feel sorry for Mateo because I believe it's his best performance since he’s been with us."

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