It’s never good when a goalkeeper is the best player on the pitch and a “Man of the Match” laureate. However, in the end, the points are all that counts, and the result is all that matters. Arsenal’s performance last night may have been mediocre, with David Raya being the best in Mikel Arteta’s squad, but ultimately, the essential thing for the Gunners was that they avoided defeat in the Champions League opening game.The Spanish custodian was the absolute hero of the tie against Atalanta, saving Mateo Retegui’s penalty and the deflection as well. A moment so impressive that even Arteta couldn’t believe it.”It’s probably one of the best saves I have seen in my career. He was unbelievable. Last year he was already very important but this season he has started exceptional. That save he made against (Aston) Villa, today (he) kept us in the game — that’s the reality. You need that from a goalkeeper at this level and I’m really happy that he’s in the form he is in at the moment,” said Arsenal gaffer, speaking to TNT Sports.“One of the best saves I’ve seen in my career.”Mikel Arteta gives his thoughts on Raya’s penalty save and the Gunners’ performance 🗣🎙 @Becky_Ives_ pic.twitter.com/TYnCWqZXUI— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 19, 2024 UCL: Raya the savior brings Arsenal their first point this seasonOn the other hand, Raya – talking to the same TV channel – modestly highlighted goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana’s contribution.”It was just a penalty and I was lucky to go the right way and save it. 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 to help the team at least get a point. I took the decision to go to the sideline because there was a long wait so I just spoke with the goalkeeping coach to get more certain about where to go. He helped me a lot in every aspect so all credit to him as well. He does the all the work with everything so credit to him as well for the save,” stated the custodian.ENGLAND PREMIER LEAGUE MATCHDAY 5Saturday14:30: (3.50) West Ham (3.50) Chelsea (2.05)17:00: (1.60) Aston Villa (4.00) Wolverhampton (5.70)17:00: (2.95) Fulham (3.50) Newcastle (2.50)17:00: (2.55) Leicester (3.35) Everton (2.75)17:00: (1.30) Liverpool (6.50) Bournemouth (10.0)17:00: (2.35) Southampton (3.50) Ipswich (3.15)17:00: (1.60) Tottenham (4.10) Brentford (5.50)19:30: (3.05) Crystal Palace (3.60) Man.Utd. (2.40)Sunday16:00: (1.80) Brighton (3.60) Nott.Forest (4.60)18:30: (1.85) Man.City (3.60) Arsenal (4.80)***odds are subject to change***
