Gunners ‘keeper showed remarkable reflexes to deny Mateo Retegui
David Raya has thanked Arsenal goalkeeper coach Inaki Cana for the role he played in his penalty heroics against Atalanta.
Raya secured Arsenal a point in Italy by making a stunning double save after keeping out Mateo Retegui’s second-half penalty.
The Gunners goalkeeper kept out Retegui’s spot-kick and then showed remarkable reflexes to save the follow-up header as well.
Raya’s save meant Arsenal drew their opening Champions League game 0-0 and the Spaniard has revealed how his goalkeeping coach, Cana, had a hand in it.
Before the penalty, while VAR checked Thomas Partey’s foul on Ederson was inside the box, Raya headed to the touchline and was given some advice from Cana.
“I took the decision to go to the sideline, because it was a long wait and time to decide if it was a pen or not,” Raya told TNT Sports.
“So, I just went to speak to with the goalie coach to have more sense on where to go and where not to go, what to do and what not to do.
David Raya pulled off a brilliant double save for Arsenal against Atalanta
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“He helped me a lot in every aspect, so credit to him as well. He does all the work with everything and it’s credit to him as well for the save.
“Inaki, the goalie coach, is so confident in me and I just have to deliver for the club and everybody. I am in a good way now, but I’ve got things to improve as always.”
The goalless draw made it back-to-back clean sheets for Arsenal after winning the north London derby 1-0 at Tottenham last week.
The Gunners next head to Manchester City on Sunday and they will need to improve going forward, but they can take confidence from their defensive display at Atalanta.
“It (Atalanta) is a tough place to come, they are a magnificent team,” Raya added. “They made it very difficult for us. They didn’t create that many chances, the penalty, that was it.
“I think we could have played a little better, but I thought we managed the game well. We weren’t at our best today, so if we cannot win the game, let’s not lose it.
“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 get at least a point.”
