Mikel Arteta admitted Arsenal were not at their best against Atalanta but praised David Raya for his brilliant double save from Mateo Retegui’s second-half penalty to secure a point in their opening Champions League match.

The Spaniard produced the game’s standout moment three minutes into the second half after consulting with Arsenal’s goalkeeping coach Iñaki Caña before conceding the penalty. But while Arteta said he was pleased with the impact Raya has made since joining from Brentford last season, he was adamant Arsenal must improve ahead of Sunday’s clash with Manchester City.

“We gave away a lot of easy balls,” he said. “But we didn’t suffer in defense. That’s the reality. Then I saw two of the best saves of my career from David at that moment.”

Asked if the departure of his rival Aaron Ramsdale had given Raya more confidence, he added: “That’s a question for him. Certainly, last year was already very impressive. Even with that different context, certainly. This season he has been exceptional. The save he made against Villa and today kept us in the game. You need that from a keeper at this level. I’m very happy that he is in that form at the moment.”

Raya admitted that he had taken the opportunity to speak to Caña when the video assistant was watching referee Clément Turpin’s decision.

“I went to talk to the goalkeeping coach to get a better idea of ​​what I should and shouldn’t do,” he said. “He’s helped me a lot in all areas, so he deserves it too. He does all the work with everything. I was lucky that I went the right way to save the ball. I was unlucky that the rebound came to him, but I was quick enough to get up and save the rebound. It’s great to save the ball and for the team to get a point.”

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini was also surprised by the quality of his save. “He’s a cat. The first save is good, but the rebound is incredible,” he said. “I think the goalkeeper was crucial. I feel sorry for Mateo because I think this is his best performance since he’s been with us.”