Mikel Arteta: ‘Heart almost stopped’ on late Raya save

Mikel Arteta admitted his heart almost stopped during David Raya’s last-gasp save that preserved Arsenal’s 2-1 win over ten-man Chelsea and maintained their five-point lead at the summit.

​Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised David Raya’s late-game heroics following a tense victory over Chelsea.

The goalkeeper produced a spectacular full-stretch save to deny Alejandro Garnacho in stoppage time, securing three points after goals from William Saliba and Jurriën Timber.

Reflecting on the final moment, Arteta confessed, “the save he made in the last action — it was an unbelievable shot and my heart almost stopped.”

​Despite the win, Arteta expressed concern over Arsenal’s lack of control against ten men and revealed a potential injury blow.

Midfielder Declan Rice requested a substitution due to discomfort and faces a fitness test before Wednesday’s clash with Brighton.

Arteta remained focused on the narrow title race, stating, “the feeling that you have to continue to win and win and win… it is not enough to open a gap.”