ARSENAL fans’ hearts were in their mouths when Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui appeared odds-on to header a rebound home from his saved penalty.
But, hero of the hour David Raya, 29, pulled off the most epic of double saves to ensure the Gunners ended up unscathed in their Champions League opener in Bergamo.
Just 10 years ago, the Spain international was turning out for non-league Southport.
However, it was a moment at Blackburn that would define the shotstopper’s incredible courage and bravery.
It was an incident that could have, ultimately, put an end to Raya’s career before he would become No1 at the Emirates.
In a collision with West Brom’s Jay Rodriguez at the Hawthorns, the former Brentford goalie suffered a serious face-altering injury.
Medics rushed to the pitch to give him oxygen, as he lay stricken on a stretcher.
He was immediately hospitalised, where he was treated for his injury.
Former Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray revealed the sickening extent of the blow in his post-match interview.
‘His nose was almost pushed into his skull’
Speaking to BBC Sport, Mowbray revealed: “The players were feeling sick with what they saw.
“And if you ever meet him, he has hands like shovels, they’re massive.”
It’s those shovels Ollie Watkins and now Mateo Retegui can testify thwarted their goal efforts.
