Arsenal were able to battle to a 2-0 win over Aston Villa in a Premier League clash on Saturday evening.
Mikel Arteta’s side had to grind out this victory, and perhaps rode their luck at times. Ollie Watkins missed a sitter in the first half, and Arsenal had David Raya to thank for preserving their clean sheet as he pulled off a magnificent save to deny the Aston Villa striker after the break.
After Amadou Onana’s effort had deflected onto the bar, Raya was on the floor and appeared helpless as Watkins followed up and looked set to nod home into an empty net from close range. However, the Spanish shot-stopper was somehow able to recover and claw away the England international’s header.
The Gunners were then able to turn the momentum of the match in their favour, as Leandro Trossard put the North London club ahead before Thomas Partey secured the points with a strike from the edge of the area.
However, Raya was the true hero of the match for Arsenal. The club signed the 28-year-old on a permanent basis this summer and he has quickly set about justifying that decision.
Raya impressed Arsenal fans against Wolves in their Premier League opener last time out and has now built on that display with his performance at Villa Park.
Alan Shearer hails Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya
Former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer was wowed by Raya’s save to deny Watkins on Saturday.
Speaking on Match of the Day, he said: “We talked about David Raya last week, producing a magnificent save at 1-0. This was at 0-0 today… His reaction, David Raya, in terms of it hitting the bar, getting up quickly, and getting that strong hand there… That reaction is unbelievable.”
Indeed, this is not the first time that the Match of the Day pundits have praised Raya this season, as Shearer and Joe Hart also noted his quality against Wolves.
Arsenal show frailties vs Aston Villa
Whilst the Gunners ultimately deserved this win, and were able to preserve a clean sheet, there were certainly moments that will have given Arteta cause for concern.
Gabriel Magalhaes was caught on the ball in his own defensive third, and Partey was bypassed in midfield all too often.
The Ghanaian ace was assured and progressive on the ball, but struggled to cope with the pace of the game when his side were out of possession. Arsenal fans were divided over Partey’s performance, but his struggles cast a spotlight on the issue that incoming signing Mikel Merino is being brought in to address.
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