There were plenty of talking points from Arsenal’s dramatic win over Aston Villa, with one moment stealing the headlines.
Mikel Arteta got revenge on Unai Emery in the second game of the 2024/25 campaign, as Arsenal took three points back to North London.
Second half goals from Leandro Trossard and Thomas Partey secured the win against Villa, in what was a difficult fixture for the visitors to grasp a hold of.
Trossard set the tone as he entered the game and scored with his first touch; however, the Belgian’s intervention did not earn the spotlight post-match.
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Gary Neville says David Raya produced the moment of the match in Arsenal win over Aston Villa
Speaking on commentary during Sky Sports’ coverage of the fixture, pundit Gary Neville was left mesmerised by David Raya’s second-half save.
The Spaniard executed a spectacular double save to deny Ollie Watkins from scoring an almost-certain goal for the Villans when the score was level.
Raya first denied Amadou Onana’s heavily deflected effort that he pushed onto the crossbar, with the rebound falling to the feet of Watkins.
Arsenal’s first-choice ‘keeper then saved the Englishman’s effort within seconds of pulling off the save prior, seeing Neville sing his praises.
“Moment of the match was the save from David Raya,” the Manchester United legend said.
“It’s magical, I can’t believe he’s got it.”
Neville’s opinion will be shared by everyone who watched the drama unfold at Villa Park, as Raya’s actions ensured the Gunners took a clean sheet away from the Midlands.
Raya has turned it up a notch
If there were any doubts over Raya being Arsenal’s first-choice last season, there are very few now.
The Spain international has started the campaign in magnificent fashion, with his double save against Villa following on from his heroics against Wolves on the opening day.
It’s the perfect timing for the former Brentford ‘keeper to fully assert himself in Arteta’s squad, with Aaron Ramsdale’s bags packed as he heads towards the exit.
The most important thing is Arsenal secured a win, which might not have been achieved if Raya had not kept the Villans at bay.
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