Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya secured his side a hard-earned point with a sensational penalty save in a 0-0 draw away to Atalanta in their Champions League opener on Thursday.
Spaniard Raya dived low to his right to beat out Mateo Retegui’s spot kick in the 51st minute then sprang across his goal to claw away the forward’s follow up header.
It was a gritty display by Mikel Arteta’s side who soaked up home pressure inside a raucous Stadio di Bergamo and occasionally looked dangerous at the other end.
The closest Arsenal came to scoring was a first-half free kick by Bukayo Saka that was saved well by Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi, who also kept out Thomas Partey’s follow-up.
Gabriel Martinelli also blasted over the crossbar in a rare Arsenal attack after the break.
Arsenal, without injured skipper Martin Odegaard, were not at their best but made sure they returned to London with a point in the bag thanks to the exploits of Raya who is now established as the club’s first-choice keeper.
Atalanta were handed the chance to go ahead when Partey tangled with Ederson on the edge of the area and the referee Clement Turpin pointed to the spot.
After a lengthy VAR check, during which Raya went over to the bench to talk to goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana, Retegui eventually took the kick but his low shot was read by Raya who then showed elastic-like agility to make the double-save.
“It was a very difficult game but I think we also made it difficult for them, Raya said.
“A point away from home in the first Champions League game, we could have played a bit better but if you can’t win the game then don’t lose it.”
Of his penalty save, he added: “I was lucky to go the right way and unlucky that the rebound fell to him, but I was quick enough to get up and save it. Fantastic to keep a clean sheet.”
It was the first ever clash between the sides with Atalanta having qualified for the competition by finishing fourth in Serie A last season, while they also won the Europa League.
While Atalanta will be frustrated at not beginning with a notable victory, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side showed that they will be a tough nut to crack in the group phase.
They had marginally the better of a dull game with Charles De Ketelaere driving an effort just wide in the first half and substitute Juan Cuadrado just off target late on.
“I admire Arsenal a great deal and tonight they didn’t do a lot in attack, but confirmed they are solid and difficult to break down,” Gasperini said.
“We will emerge stronger from this game, we learned a lot.”
Arsenal face Paris St Germain at home in their second game but now all eyes are on Sunday’s clash at Premier League champions Manchester City.
“We are all digging in for each other and that will be needed at The Etihad on Sunday,” midfielder Declan Rice said.
“We want to go there to win, it’s crucial for our season.”
(Reuters)