David Raya's double save for Arsenal vs Aston Villa was “unbelievable”, Gunners manager Mikel Arteta said after his side's 2-0 win at Villa Park.
Spain goalkeeper Raya deflected Amadou Onana's curling shot over the bar and made a stunning save from the rebound to deny Ollie Watkins with a goalless point nine minutes after the break.
“It was a magical moment of the game,” reflected Arteta, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live. “We agreed a little bit [chances] and it is a great honor for the team as this is a difficult place to get to. When we needed him, he was there and he saved in an amazing way.”
“That's what I'm there for.” 🧤
David Raya details how he saved Ollie Watkins' chance at Aston Villa 😲 pic.twitter.com/w3SmJWzWwV
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 24, 2024
Villa vs Arsenal: Raya shines
Arteta's side continued their fine start to the season following their 2-0 win at home to Wolves but would have fallen behind had Ollie Watkins not produced a stunning miss by the striker's standards.
Villa's leading goalscorer with 19 goals in the top flight last season curled a shot with only Raya going close in the first half.
After Raya's heroics, Trossard slotted home to put the visitors ahead in the 67th minute – two minutes after the Belgian striker had come on – before Emi Martinez was unable to keep out Thomas Partey's fierce long-range shot into the left-hand corner. his net after 10 minutes.
Arsenal lost home and away against Villa last season, including a 2-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium on April 14 that ended their failed title bid.
“You gave us a headache this weekend!” 😅
Mikel Arteta talks about the importance of depth in the squad after substitute Leandro Trossard scored against Aston Villa 👥 pic.twitter.com/ublMtd1rRb
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 24, 2024
Arteta: Arsenal had 'character'
“On paper, we should have won comfortably but we didn't, so something is missing,” Arteta said of the games.
“Today we did it. With luck and individual performance, we were able to win the game. Everyone played with a lot of personality.
“Aston Villa were defensive as we expected but we got used to it and the team played with great courage.
“We had to change the momentum. We had a 10-minute gap when we couldn't find a rhythm and then they went ahead. When we needed individuals, they stood up and held their own – that's why we won the game.”
Arsenal are next up when they host Brighton & Hove Albion – one of three teams who have taken six points from six, alongside Arteta's side and Manchester City – on Saturday (12.30pm BST). Villa, who won 2-1 at West Ham in their first game, are at Leicester City on the same day (3pm).
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