David Raya’s stunning double save from Mateo Retegui’s penalty-kick earned a 0-0 draw for Arsenal against Atalanta in Bergamo in their HB Champions League opener.
Raya went the right way to deny Retegui from the spot after Thomas Partey had fouled Ederson, but even more impressive was the way the Arsenal goalkeeper leapt to his feet to keep out the follow-up header from the Atalanta striker. It was an extraordinary feat of agility by the Spaniard.
The Gunners had made a promising start to the game with Bukayo Saka forcing a save from Marco Carnesecchi with a low shot from a free-kick, but Mikel Arteta’s side were frustrated for long periods thereafter with Gian Piero Gasperini’s Europa League winners proving a tough test
Gabriel Martinelli wasted Arsenal’s best opening in the second half, spooning over the bar when clean through on the angle. But a draw represents a solid start against awkward opposition and Arteta’s thoughts will now turn to that showdown with Manchester City on Super Sunday.
