Mikel Arteta praised David Raya’s crucial second-half save against Ollie Watkins, calling it the “magic moment of the game” that led to Arsenal’s victory over Aston Villa.
With the score tied at 0-0, Amadou Onana’s shot deflected off the crossbar and rebounded to Watkins, who headed the ball towards the goal from close range. Raya, with a quick response, saved it with his left hand.
Speaking after the full time whistle, the Arsenal boss said: “We had to change momentum, we had a 10-minute gap when we didn’t get the rhythm and they were on top.
‘They had the big chance that David (Raya) made an unbelievable save and it is was the magic moment of the game.
‘We conceded really little and it’s a big credit to the team as it is a difficult place to come, but when we needed him (Raya) he was there and made a terrific save.
‘(I thought) it was a goal because I saw the reaction of the defensive line. The ball goes on the crossbar and we are all watching the ball and I went, “No, please” and then I see the striker (Watkins) in that position and normally they will (score) but David’s reaction is unbelievable.’
Raya reflected on the save, saying, “Everyone is a hero because we work together. It’s not just me saving the ball. It was a crucial moment at 0-0, and they had chances. I was there to save Ollie’s header. I remember a shot from outside the box. I was on the floor, tried to get up, and couldn’t reach it. I saw Ollie going for it, reacted quickly, and put my hand there. There was no one else to get the ball. It’s just repetition from drills. You save one ball and get up to save another. This time it paid off. I don’t think it’s my best save, though.”
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