David Raya says chat with Arsenal GK coach Inaki Cana key to miracle double save v Atalanta in Champions League
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Published 19/09/2024 at 22:20 GMT
David Raya was the hero as Arsenal drew with last season's UEFA Europa League winners Atalanta. The game lacked many clear-cut chances, but the hosts had an opportunity to win it after being awarded a penalty in the second half. However, Raya produced one of the saves of the season to keep the scores level. He pointed to the intervention of goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana after the match.
David Raya.
Image credit: Getty Images
David Raya credited goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana after producing a sublime double save in Arsenal's 0-0 draw with Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League.
Raya managed to stop Mateo Retegui's penalty, before getting back to his feet and somehow clawing the follow-up effort off the line.
Raya spoke with Cana while the referee's decision to award a penalty was checked by VAR.
The Spaniard admits he was lucky to have guessed the right way, but highlighted the role his goalkeeping coach had played.
"It was just a penalty, I was lucky to go the right way and save it," Raya told TNT Sports.
"I was unlucky that the rebound went straight to him, but I was just quick enough to get up and to save the rebound, so it is fantastic to be able to keep the clean sheet and to help the team at least get a point.
"I took the decision to go to the sideline because it was a long time to decide if it was a penalty or not.
"I just went to speak to the goalkeeping coach to have more of a sense of where to go and where not to go and what to do and what not to do.
"He helps me a lot in every aspect, so credit to him as well. He does all the work with everything."
Atalanta had been awarded the penalty after Thomas Partey had fouled Ederson in the penalty area.
The match lacked many clear-cut chances, with Bukayo Saka going closest for the Gunners from a free-kick, while Gabriel Martinelli blazed over late on.
Raya admitted that his side knew it would be a tough match against last season's UEFA Europa League winners.
He said: "We know it is a tough place to come. They are a magnificent team. They made it very difficult for us, but I think we made it difficult for them as well.
"They did not create that many chances, obviously the penalty, that is it.
"A point away from home in our first Champions League game, I think we could have played a little bit better, but I thought we managed the game well.
"We were not at our best today, so if we can not win the game, let's not lose it."
Raya has made the goalkeeping position his own since ousting Aaron Ramsdale as Arsenal's No. 1.
The goalkeeper thanked his teammates, the fans and his goalkeeping coach for believing in him.
"I think everyone, the players, the staff and the fans, the belief that they have in me [is what is helping me improve]," he added.
"Of course, my goalkeeping coach is just so confident in me and I just have to deliver for the club and for the fans, for everybody.
"I am in a good way now, but there are things to improve as always."
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