Mikel Arteta hails David Raya’s ‘magic moment’ against Aston Villa – as Spaniard’s stunning stop helps Gunners earn impressive away win
- Arsenal secured a 2-0 win over Aston Villa to continue their impressive start
- David Raya saved a crucial goal from Ollie Watkins with the match still goalless
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Mikel Arteta hailed David Raya’s second-half save from Ollie Watkins as “the magic moment of the game” and set-up for Arsenal’s win over Aston Villa.
With the score at 0-0, Amadou Onana’s shot had deflected off the crossbar before rebounding in mid-air to Watkins. The striker headed the ball from just a few yards towards goal, but an outstretched Raya made a superb save with his left palm.
Arteta said: ‘They had a great chance because David (Raya) made an incredible save and that was the magic moment of the game.
‘We conceded very few goals and that’s a big compliment to the team because it’s a difficult place to come, but when we needed him (Raya) he was there and made a great save.
‘(I thought) it was a goal because I saw the reaction from the defensive line. The ball goes on the crossbar and we’re all looking at the ball and I thought, “No, please” and then I see the striker (Watkins) in that position and normally he (scores) but David’s reaction is unbelievable.’
Mikel Arteta praised goalkeeper David Raya’s ‘magic moment’ in their win over Aston Villa
Amadou Onana’s shot hit the crossbar in the second half after Raya had dived
Raya recovered and made a diving stop as Ollie Watkins headed the rebound towards goal
Raya commented afterwards on the way he performed the action and he didn’t think it was his best save.
Raya said: ‘Everyone is a hero because we work together. I’m not the only one saving the ball. It was a crucial moment in the game when it was 0-0 and they had chances and I was there to save Ollie’s header.
‘What I remember is a shot from outside the box. I’m lying on the ground, so I try to get up, but I can’t reach it. I see Ollie just going in, so I react as quickly as possible. I put my hand there and there’s no one there to get the ball.
“It’s just a repetition of things. You do drills and have to save one ball and get up to save another. This time it paid off. This is a reaction, I don’t think it’s my best save.”
