Raya produces a heroic performance to secure a point for Arsenal

Arsenal has David Raya to thank for making an unbelievable double save from a penalty to help the Gunners secure a draw at Italian side Atalanta in their Champions League opener.

After getting down low to his right to keep out Mateo Retegui’s spot-kick, the Spaniard got across his goal to scoop the striker’s follow-up header off the line.

Such a moment in an otherwise forgettable match in Bergamo earned the Gunners a point, as chances were at a premium. Raya did not need to make any other saves outside of that two-second spell.

Arsenal started the game well, creating chances in Odegard’s absence, but they did not have a single shot between the 18th and 75th minutes.

It was likewise for the Europa League winners, as the Gunners’ only two shots on target came as part of a double save.

Marco Carnesecchi was called into action when he tipped away Bukayo Saka’s free-kick and blocked Thomas Partey’s follow-up.

Having had much of the possession, luck was about to run off Arsenal when they conceded a penalty when Thomas Partey clipped defensive midfielder Ederson on the left edge of the box.

The extended video assistant check appeared to work for the gunners as Raya went over to talk to Arsenal’s goalkeeping coach, his fellow Spaniard Inaki Cana, who he also worked with at Brentford.

Whatever they discussed worked, as he made a save from Retegui’s poor spot kick, diving to his right to keep it out. The Italy striker got another opportunity for a rebound as he looked to head into an empty net on the other side of the goal, but Raya got across in time to keep it just before the ball fully crossed the line.

This save has been mentioned alongside some greats, including Arsenal legend David Seaman’s against Sheffield United striker Paul Peschisolido in the 2003 FA Cup semi-final.