Mikel Arteta praised David Raya’s stoppage-time intervention after Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Chelsea, but said his “heart almost stopped” because Arsenal “shouldn’t have been in that position” despite playing against 10 men.
Mikel Arteta struck a mixture of relief and irritation after Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Chelsea, hailing David Raya’s stoppage-time save as decisive while warning his side let the game drift into danger when it should have been under control.
Raya’s moment came at the very end, when he reacted sharply to keep out a Chelsea effort and preserve three points that restored Arsenal’s five-point lead at the top. Arteta emphasised the goalkeeper’s authority and concentration, describing him as “one of our leaders without a doubt” and praising his ability to stay locked in when he has little to do.
“Sometimes he doesn’t participate at all, and then suddenly he has to act,” Arteta said. “The save he made in the last action, it was an unbelievable shot, and my heart almost stopped, but he kept it out again.”
The manager’s praise came with a clear caveat. Arsenal played the closing stages against 10 men, and Arteta was unhappy that Chelsea still had a chance to take something. “It was a fabulous save, but we shouldn’t have been in that position,” he said. “I try to stay calm, but we weren’t getting the dominance we wanted against ten men.”
Arteta on pressure and the title chase
Arteta also used the post-match discussion to describe the strain of leading a title race where wins do not necessarily create breathing space. “The feeling that you have to continue to win and win and win, you win so many games but it is not enough to open a gap,” he said. “This is the beauty and the level of this league.”
He framed the wider calendar as another reason why control matters, with the season entering its most congested stretch. “Everyone is suffering and the margins are so tight, but it’s good,” Arteta added. “In March, we are in every competition and we are right up there.”
Rice concern ahead of the next game
One note of concern was Declan Rice, who provided the delivery for the winning goal but later indicated he needed to come off. “Declan asked to be substituted, so he needs to be checked before Wednesday,” Arteta said. “He was feeling some discomfort.”
For Arsenal, the result was the priority, but Arteta’s reaction made clear he expects higher control when the game state tilts in Arsenal’s favour. Raya’s save ensured the win was secured, yet the post-match message was that margins at this stage are unforgiving, and Arsenal cannot keep giving opponents late chances to change the story.