Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta heaped praise on goalkeeper David Raya after his heroics secured a dramatic Champions League quarter-final berth for the Gunners.
Facing a 1-0 deficit from the first leg against Porto, Arsenal needed a response at the Emirates.
Leandro Trossard answered the call with a first-half goal, but the tie remained deadlocked after extra time, forcing a penalty shootout.
It was in this critical moment that Raya truly stepped up.
Arteta highlighted Raya’s composure under pressure, “He had some difficult moments to start,” said the manager via Arsenal’s website, “but he stood up with an incredible personality and ambition.”
Raya’s crucial saves in the shootout proved decisive, sending Arsenal through to the next round.
Arteta also acknowledged the contribution of the coaching staff in preparing Raya for the pressure situation.
With Raya’s heroics and collective team effort, Arsenal can celebrate their place among the Champions League elite.