David Raya gets the ‘luckiest escape ever’ when a punch goes the wrong way and nearly costs Arsenal.
Arsenal supporters felt David Raya had the “luckiest escape ever” in their Champions League win over Sevilla.
Mikel Arteta‘s team appeared to be in control as Gabriel Jesus’ brilliant turn set up Gabriel Martinelli for the opening goal, before the Brazilian curled a stunning drive into the top corner in the second half.
However, Nemanja Gudelj cut the deficit in half to ensuring a tense finish for the Gunners. When the stakes were highest, another Raya blunder nearly cost them a crucial victory in Spain.
The Spaniard boldly departed his line in the waning stages of the game to try to capture the cross. When he realized he couldn’t catch it, the Brentford loanee chose to punch it.
However, he only made contact with the ball’s underside, causing it to spin into the air and back towards his goal. Raya and all Arsenal fans would have been relieved to see the ball drop over the bar as two Sevilla players stood beneath it to touch it in. David Raya gets the ‘luckiest escape ever’ when a punch goes the wrong way and nearly costs Arsenal.
While his supporters may have breathed a sigh of relief, many have not let the keeper off the hook. “Raya got away with a big time with that bad punch at the end,” one fan remarked.
“How did Raya punch it backwards over his net? We are so lucky man,” another baffled and relieved supporter said.
“When I saw Raya punch it backwards, my heart sunk,” remarked another, before a fourth added, “If that Raya punch had ended up going in, my head would’ve been one.”
Arsenal’s victory returned them to the top of Group B in the competition. And it’ll be interesting to watch if Aaron Ramsdale gets his shot with Raya under greater pressure between the pipes soon. Arteta must make a significant decision ahead of Ramsdale’s previous team Sheffield United’s return to the club on Saturday.
