‘Heart Almost Stopped’ After Raya’s Crucial Save — Arteta

Mikel Arteta lauded David Raya’s performance in Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea, admitting his “heart almost stopped” during the goalkeeper’s vital stoppage-time save. The stop ensured the Gunners maintained their strong position in the Premier League title race.

Jurriën Timber’s second-half header from a Declan Rice corner, after a Piero Hincapié own goal had cancelled out William Saliba’s first-half opener, appeared to seal a crucial win for Arsenal and restore their five-point lead over second-place Manchester City.

However, Chelsea, reduced to 10 men after Pedro Neto received the team’s seventh Premier League red card this season in the 70th minute, threatened to snatch a point when Alejandro Garnacho’s late shot flew towards goal. Spain international Raya produced a stunning full-stretch save to deny the former Manchester United winger, securing all three points for Arsenal.

“David is one of our leaders without a doubt,” Arteta said. “He is a keeper who knows how to maintain his focus and decide a match when you need it. Sometimes he doesn’t participate at all and then suddenly he has to act and the save he made in the last action — it was an unbelievable shot and my heart almost stopped, but he kept it out again.”

Arteta added: “It was a fabulous save, but we shouldn’t have been in that position. I try to stay calm, but we weren’t getting the dominance we wanted against ten men.”

After squandering a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 against bottom club Wolves 10 days ago – a result that significantly boosted City’s title hopes – Arsenal have bounced back with victories in London derbies against Tottenham and Chelsea. Arteta believes his team’s reaction proves their ability to succeed at the highest level.

“The way we have reacted to that disappointing result has been top,” Arteta stated. “The feeling that you have to continue to win and win and win, you win so many games but it is not enough to open a gap. This is the beauty and the level of this league.”

Arsenal face Brighton away on Wednesday, and Arteta confirmed that midfielder Declan Rice will undergo a fitness test after asking to be substituted against Chelsea due to “some discomfort.”