David Raya reveals what Arsenal goalkeeper coach told him right before ‘lucky’ Atalanta penalty save

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Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya produced a moment of magic to help his side secure a point in their opening Champions League game away at Atalanta.

The Europa League winners proved to be tough opponents as expected, and Arsenal found themselves struggling to make an impact in the final third.

Thomas Partey then gave a penalty away after a clumsy challenge, and falling behind could have been disastrous. However, Raya then spared his blushes.

The Spaniard went over to talk to goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana before the penalty, then produced a magnificent save to stop Mateo Retegui’s initial effort.

The goalkeeper then somehow reacted quickly to block Retegui’s second effort from the rebound, and he kept the ball out en route to a clean sheet, with Arsenal fans labelling Raya as the best goalkeeper in the world as a result.

Raya has now revealed what Cana told him just before the penalty, and admitted that he was “lucky” in some aspects of the remarkable double save.

• READ MORE: Everything to know on Arsenal’s David Raya from his girlfriend to tattoo

David Raya admits he was lucky to make double penalty save in Champions League draw

Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Raya admitted that he was lucky to make the double save from the Retegui penalty.

“It’s just a penalty and I was lucky to go the right way and save it,” he stated.

“I was lucky to not give the rebound straight to him, but I was just quick enough to get up and and save the rebound, so it was fantastic to be able to keep the clean sheet and to help the team to at least get a point.”

David Raya reveals what Arsenal coach Inaki Cana said to him before penalty save

Even if Raya was lucky for the penalty save, he still chose the right direction for the dive, and this insight was given to him by Arsenal coach Cana.

“I I took the decision to go to the sideline, just because it was a long wait and a long time to decide if it was a pen or not,” he added.

“I just went to speak with a goalie coach, to have a more certain way of where to go, and where not to go and what to do, and what not to do, so he helped me a lot in every aspect so credit to him as well, that he does all the work with everything and it’s credit to him as well for the save.”

Raya’s saves were truly outstanding and helped secure a point for Arsenal, and both he and Cana deserve praise for the Spaniard’s incredible form this season.