Arsenal's David Raya emerged as the hero in a dramatic Champions League match against Porto, with his composure and penalty shootout performance earning praise from teammates and manager Mikel Arteta. Raya's resilience and standout saves helped Arsenal overcome Porto's defensive tactics, securing a quarter-final spot. The team's unity and spirit were highlighted by players like Aaron Ramsdale, showcasing a growing bond under Arteta's leadership.
🔴David Raya, Mikel Arteta and the four days that proved Arsenal boss' ruthless move was right ✍️|@BenMcAleer1 |@WhoScored https://t.co/yoxRAslGeY https://t.co/agKvRh5agC
Across both legs, Arsenal's main struggle was breaking down Porto's stubborn defensive block. Did they answer the question posed? Well, eventually yes — but let this be a lesson for the next round. Analysis for @TheAthleticFC: https://t.co/cPwfyabmZ4 https://t.co/O34fzYWjxT
Mikel praises David Raya on his composure and quality last night ❤️ https://t.co/EcT1lRgsjx
"A night of vindication for Mikel Arteta" 🧠 Has David Raya justified his place as Arsenal's No.1? 🧤 https://t.co/MylV0IimrJ
David Raya's honesty over penalty shootout has Arsenal 'destroying everyone in their way' https://t.co/ATHu6MZiRT
Arsenal overcome Champions League curse and David Raya becomes one of their own https://t.co/y4tIiNEbNn
A ✨magic✨ night at the Emirates. David Raya delivered when it mattered most 🤝 #BBCFootball https://t.co/3gLs5ubbaz
Arsenal stared down a penalty shoot-out and showed no fear. This was a result that reverberated beyond just the Emirates Stadium. And it was a win that represented a turning point for David Raya. #AFC | #UCL 📝 @amylawrence71
🔴⚪️ Arteta on David Raya: “I don’t have to see him now, I was convinced that he was going fantastic”. “You see in the first few days here… his body language, the position that he takes, he doesn’t get very affected and that’s a key quality for a goalkeeper”. https://t.co/0TpItIM2oH
Arsenal had to slay some demons of the past as well as the team in front of them. Some words on a night of big hearts, and a very big moment for David Raya. The slow burn of his relationship with Arsenal's fans got the spark for him to belong. #AFC https://t.co/jiTwGki2rG
Raya helps Arsenal beat Porto on penalties to reach Champions League quarters https://t.co/dGdc39CdQy https://t.co/x6NxoUr3yI
Arsenal deservedly beat the spoilers to claim the spoils. David Raya the shootout star. Report from the Emirates. #AFC #ARSPOR #UCL. https://t.co/fDgRlNmgaS
🎥 On the Whistle: Arsenal 1-0 Porto (4-2 pens) - "Raya rises to the challenge!" https://t.co/cQ85lnrYsf 🔴⚪️ #AFC https://t.co/6rmZhhRE0W
Aaron Ramsdale was the first man over to congratulate David Raya tonight A sign of Arsenal's team spirit after the drama against Porto 👏👏👏 https://t.co/oZW5jcXrUQ https://t.co/r29XZ85eeI
Match report: Arsenal 1 Porto 0 (Arsenal win on pens). A night of high drama and tension when David Raya established himself in the hearts of the Arsenal faithful https://t.co/y4tIiNEbNn
Arsenal edge past Porto on penalties https://t.co/2HEl1Lq2ek https://t.co/8MeKOhkWmB
Mikel Arteta praised David Raya and his coaching team after Arsenal won a tense penalty shootout to progress to the Champions League quarter-finals 💬 https://t.co/POP9P5oOjN https://t.co/Cyu9TLMAav
Vindication for Arteta on a night that Arsenal hope inspires thrilling end to season. Gunners still fighting on two fronts after goalkeeper David Raya proved to be the hero in penalty shootout with Porto. https://t.co/V48BGWtgLe
Arteta on Raya: "David had some difficult moments to start but he stood up and showed incredible personality."
Arsenal player ratings: David Raya the hero but William Saliba shows his nerves in Champions League thriller #UCL #ARSPOR https://t.co/P9a2It7WiO https://t.co/P9a2It7WiO
Arsenal needed a hero to end their long Champions League last-16 hoodoo...up stepped David Raya 🗣️'This was the night Arsenal fans truly took the Spaniard to their hearts' @johncrossmirror on a dramatic night at The Emirates 👇 https://t.co/ChlXvRxzwx https://t.co/ucyeJvcWFp
AARON RAMSDALE the first player off the Arsenal bench to congratulate shootout hero DAVID RAYA—the man who took his place in the team. 👏 That kind of team unity you can't buy. You can’t command it. It has to be nurtured & unleashed in massive moments like this. ❤️🔥 https://t.co/PLpWphN6Pe
That was a tough examination of Arsenal over both legs. Porto are a stubborn, clever side and restricted Arsenal well, but they got over the line. This is the sort of memorable night that the Emirates has lacked. The story Arteta is building with this team keeps gathering pace.