What Mikel Arteta did to David Raya after Bukayo Saka Champions League goal for Arsenal vs PSV
Bukayo Saka scored Arsenal's first Champions League goal in six years against PSV Eindhoven at the Emirates Stadium tonight — but Mikel Arteta was not celebrating for long. The Gunners have waited a long time to feature in Europe's elite competition once again and they wasted no time in proving they belong in the Champions League.
Arsenal players smiled as the famous anthem rang around the Emirates Stadium ahead of kick-off and the energy from the home fans translated onto the pitch. Saka opened the scoring with his first goal in the Champions League after eight minutes before Leandro Trossard added a second goal in the 20th minute — with Gabriel Jesus adding a third before half-time.
Arteta opted to start a strong team despite the North London Derby looming this weekend. Jesus returned to the starting XI, whilst Kai Havertz came back into midfield — replacing Fabio Vieira.
The main talking point was David Raya retaining his place in goal ahead of Aaron Ramsdale. The England international's performances last season were a key reason behind Arsenal securing Champions League qualification — but Arteta made the tough decision to start the summer signing instead.
Raya replaced Ramsdale in the Arsenal team for their 1-0 win against Everton at the weekend and put in an assured performance. The Gunners boss has faced plenty of questions about his decision to sign Raya — and start him ahead of Ramsdale — but it is proving to be a good choice so far.
From the first minute, the Spanish goalkeeper was involved in the game as Gabriel Jesus played the ball back to Raya from kick-off. The Spain international's ability to play out from the back was a key reason behind Arsenal pursuing a move to sign him from Brentford and he demonstrated
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