David Raya has reflected on a top moment when Arsenal took on Aston Villa at the weekend. In Saturday’s match at Villa Park, leaving the score tied at 0-0, Raya literally kept the Gunners in the game by making a brilliant save that eventually saw his side claim all three points. This save will definitely be a strong contender for “save of the year”.
Raya was frantically trying to get back as Amadou Onana looped a deflected effort off the bar. Ollie Watkins then received the ball in front of goal as Raya lay prone on the deck after it bounced off the woodwork.
The goalie then leaped to his left, clawed away the English striker’s headed effort, and to safety. It turned out to be a key moment in the game.
Raya reflects on big reaction save against Aston Villa
“I know it’s a shot from outside the box,” he began. “I think Gabi gets a nick on it, gets a deflection. I think it hits the ground, and then it goes over me, and I’m already going for to the shot. I think I put my knee on the floor, I’m not sure. And I see the ball going towards the goal”.
“I tried to get a nick on it, but it hits the bar and from there I just remember kind of a slow motion, the ball going towards the pitch again. And I just stand up and I see Ollie Watkins with the head, and then I just react to it. The main thing is I got a hand on it to clear it away. That’s the most important thing.”
Asked if it was one of the best saves he has ever made, he responded: “Yeah, I think so”.
“I think it’s one of those that the repetition in the training ground where you save and then you get up for another ball, is that reaction to come from the floor to get another action”.
“So, it’s just a flashback from training, kind of thing. Of course I’m delighted to be able to make that save, especially in the crucial moment that we were with 0-0. I think that gave us a little bit of a push for the team. And, not long after, I think we scored. So that was a big moment in the game”.
“It’s like a goal, basically. So it’s really important, I think, for me and I think for the team.”
Against Wolves on the opening day, David also produced a crucial save. The PFA Team of the Year goalie from the previous season has also started the new season in outstanding form, recording back-to-back clean sheets.
“The main thing are the points,” he said. “Two big wins, especially here. One of the toughest places to come away and coming out from it with three points and a clean sheet, we are delighted overall.”
