Arteta praises Raya’s heroics as Arsenal edge Chelsea to stay top

Mikel Arteta hailed David Raya’s match-winning performance after the goalkeeper produced a stunning stoppage-time save to secure Arsenal’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Chelsea and keep the Gunners in pole position in the Premier League title race.

Jurriën Timber’s second-half header from a Declan Rice corner, following a Piero Hincapié own goal that had cancelled out William Saliba’s early opener, appeared to have sealed the win. But Chelsea, despite being reduced to 10 men after Pedro Neto was sent off in the 70th minute, almost snatched a late equaliser.

Alejandro Garnacho’s powerful effort in the dying moments was heading for the net before Raya launched himself full stretch to claw the ball away, preserving Arsenal’s crucial three points and their five-point lead over second-placed Manchester City.

“David is one of our leaders, without a doubt,” Arteta said. “He’s a goalkeeper who knows how to stay focused and decide a match when you need it.

“Sometimes he doesn’t have much to do, and then suddenly he has to act. The save he made at the end — my heart almost stopped. It was an unbelievable shot, but he kept it out. It was a fabulous save, although we shouldn’t have been in that position.”

Arteta admitted his side struggled to impose themselves fully against 10 men, but praised their resilience in the closing stages.

“I try to stay calm, but we weren’t getting the dominance we wanted. Everyone is suffering, the margins are so tight, but it’s good. In March, we are in every competition and right up there.”

The win continued Arsenal’s strong response to their frustrating 2-2 draw with bottom club Wolves earlier this month, a result that had boosted City’s title hopes. Since then, the Gunners have claimed back-to-back London derby victories against Tottenham and Chelsea.

“The way we reacted to that disappointment has been top,” Arteta said. “The feeling that you have to keep winning and winning, but still it’s not enough to open a gap — that’s the beauty and the level of this league.”

Arsenal travel to Brighton on Wednesday, though Arteta confirmed that Declan Rice will undergo a fitness check after asking to be substituted late in the match.

“Declan felt some discomfort, so he needs to be checked before Wednesday,” Arteta said.