The pivotal save occurred when Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins was poised to give his team the lead just before the hour mark. A deflected shot from Amadou Onana had looped over David Raya, making it seem like Watkins would seize the chance from the rebound off the crossbar.
As Raya lay on the ground, time seemingly slowed, with Watkins moving in on the loose ball and an open goal in sight. Yet, as Watkins prepared to head the ball, Raya executed a stunning save, stretching out to prevent the ball from crossing the line.
The impact of Raya’s remarkable save was significant. Within 15 minutes of the play, substitute Leandro Trossard scored the first goal for Arsenal. Thomas Partey then added another just 10 minutes later, ensuring Arsenal’s victory.
In his post-match interview with Sky Sports, Raya highlighted the team’s effort rather than his own performance.
“It was a crucial moment in the game where it was 0-0 and they had chances and I was there to save Ollie’s [Watkins] header,” he said. “I think of what I remember, it’s a shot from outside the box. I’m on the floor so I try to get up and I can’t reach it. I just see Ollie going in there so I react as quickly as possible I put my hand there and there’s no one there to get the ball.”
When asked if the save was a result of his hard work in training, Raya responded: “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 one, I don’t think it’s my best save. I try to help the team as much as possible to win games.”
With two clean sheets in his first two Premier League games, Raya will aim to maintain his strong form as Arsenal faces Brentford next Saturday.
David Raya
David Raya Martin
SpainThis season he played in total twice for 180 minutes for Premier League.
He made 6 saves and conceded no goals. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 3rd in Premier League. In the last match Arsenal won 2-0 against Aston Villa. The next match in Premier League will be against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Arsenal performance and stats
Arsenal is currently 3rd in the Premier League with 6 points.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 4 goals and conceding 0.
Arsenal will play the next match in Premier League against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday 31st of August in London.
