Martin Keown says Arsenal fans 'weren't sure' about one Gunners player at first, but he's a 'driving force' now

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Arsenal picked up a point in their opening Champions League encounter of the season, drawing 0-0 with Atalanta in Bergamo.

The Gunners held firm against last season’s Europa League champions, but couldn’t make the most of their chances.

Arsenal also had David Raya to thank for a hugely impressive double save he made at the start of the second half.

Mikel Arteta’s charges conceded a penalty in the 48th minute as Thomas Partey clipped Ederson in the Arsenal box.

Mateo Retegui took to the penalty spot and fired to his left, only for Raya to guess right and stop the ball.

Then, the Atalanta ace tried to head home on the rebound with the goal gaping, but the Arsenal stopper leapt to his left and palmed the ball away.

Raya’s save had fans, neutrals and pundits all raving, with Martin Keown singing his praises and making an interesting point on TNT Sports, as transcribed by BBC Sport.

Martin Keown says David Raya now a ‘major player for Arsenal’ after initial fan doubts

Keown said Raya is a “major player for Arsenal” now, but he acknowledged that Gunners fans “weren’t sure” about him initially.

“From the start David Raya stands tall, doesn’t move and then guesses the right way and saves the ball,” said Keown. “But the key thing is that he doesn’t give up on it and believes in himself.

“The goal is gaping and Mateo Retegui should score but take nothing away from how quickly Raya got back up and across to save again. That is four in the last eight penalties he has saved now.

“There is an element of luck and chance because you can’t know for certain where the ball is going. He parries the ball back into play and should get punished but his reactions were first class.

“When Raya took over from Aaron Ramsdale as number one the fans weren’t sure. He has that believe about himself and looks like a driving force.

There were a few difficult moments for him but he came through them and now he is a major player for Arsenal.”

Raya lifts lid on brilliant penalty save

After the game, Raya sought to play down his second world-class double save in quick succession, having done similar against Aston Villa.

"It's just a penalty, I was lucky to go the right way," he said on TNT Sports, as transcribed by Sky Sports News.

"I was unlucky to give the rebound straight to him but I was lucky to get up and save it. It's great to keep the clean sheet and help the team get a point.

"The decision to go to the sideline was because it was a long time to decide if it was a pen or not.

"I went to the goalkeeper coach and asked where to go and where not to go, what to do and what not to do. He helps me with everything and helped me make the save."

READ MORE:Robbie Savage says Arsenal star delivered 'one of the best' moments he's ever seen in Atalanta game

What next for Arsenal?

Arsenal have got through the Atalanta match unscathed and with a point, but now comes a huge game with regards to their Premier League title hopes.

The Gunners head to Manchester City on Sunday, with kick-off at the Etihad Stadium scheduled for 4:30pm BST.