David Raya was over in one corner of the goal, having just saved a penalty. Mateo Retegui – the man whose penalty was saved – was licking his lips at the chance to make up for it by heading into an empty net.
But suddenly the net was not empty anymore. That is the story of how Raya performed a remarkable double save to deny Atalanta.
“It’s probably one of the best saves I have seen in my career. He was unbelievable,” said boss Mikel Arteta after the goalless Champions League draw in Bergamo.
“Last year he was already very important but this season he has started exceptional. Today he kept us in the game, that’s the reality.”
That was 1.227 expected goals for Italy striker Retegui in the blink of an eye – and no actual goals.
In truth, he should not have given Raya a chance with the rebound, with his header going back into the middle where the goalkeeper had started his desperate dive.
It was still an unbelievable save though, which will draw comparisons to one of Arsenal’s greatest – David Seaman’s against Sheffield United striker Paul Peschisolido in the 2003 FA Cup semi-final.
“It was just a penalty and I was lucky to go the right way,” Raya told TNT Sports afterwards.
“I was unlucky that the rebound went straight to him but I was quick enough to get up and save it. It is fantastic to be able to keep the clean sheet and to help the team to get at least a point.”
He added: “I’m in a good place right now.”
Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton, on BBC Champions League Match of the Day, said: “It was brilliant how he got up and went again.
“It’s a wonderful save. Retegui should score the rebound but take nothing away from the save.”
They were the only saves Raya had to make all night, 95 minutes and one second of nothing – with two seconds of action.
“He’s a cat,” said Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini.
“The first save is good but the rebound is unbelievable. I believe the goalkeeper has been crucial.”
