What David Raya said about 'brilliant' PSG star who frustrated Arsenal

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya shared praise for his opposite number following the 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.

A fourth minute Ousmane Dembele goal was the difference between the two sides in north London with the Gunners now having to come from behind at the Parc des Princes next week. Mikel Arteta’s side have five shots on target in the game, more than the visitor’s four, but were kept out by an impressive performance from PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The 26-year-old, who signed for the Ligue 1 giants from AC Milan in 2021 and has gone on to make 151 appearances for the side, and has helped knock out Premier League sides Liverpool and Aston Villa already. As Raya spoke to Prime Video, he singled out his fellow shot stopper for praise.

David Raya praises ‘brilliant’ Paris Saint-Germain player

He said: “They started very quick with a goal and dominated the first 15 to 20 minutes. After that, I thought we dominated most of the game and created the chances. Donnarumma made some brilliant saves and it’s only half time. We take a lot of positive from this, we know they are a top, top team but credit to the players too. For the effort we put onto the pitch, we could have won the game.

“We know they keep possession a lot and they are really good at that. They had that chance and put it in the back of the net, obviously that went for them and that’s football. We had the chances to score but didn’t mange to find a goal.

“We’ve got to try and approach the game [next week] the same way. I thought we played really well and put them on the back foot, they created their chances as well and that’s part of football, but we created a lot of chances. We’ll approach it the same way and know we can win against any team.”

Arsenal kept out by ‘big save’ by Donnarumma

Donnrumma was also sent praise by PSG teammate Vitinha and Arsenal boss Arteta. The French side’s midfielder said: “I think Gianluigi had a great, great match. The team was really key for the game. We could have scored more as well but we are glad with 1-0 and will do everything in our power to take the win with us and go to the final.”

Arteta was adamant that his side had dominated in the game and put the scoreline down to an ‘individual moment’ of brilliance from Dembele, rather than a mistake from his Arsenal side. When asked about the disallowed Mikel Merino goal, which was chalked off for offside, the Gunners boss said: “That was great timing [to score] and that’s the margin, it’s millimetres offside.

“The action of Martinelli when he’s through one on one, the keeper makes a big save. He’s done it in the other games against Aston Villa and Liverpool. Leandro Trossard is on one on one as well and he makes the save. That’s the margins and the level in this semi-final.”

In other news, 'Concrete Talks': Andrea Berta handed £70m Arsenal transfer concern hours ahead of PSG kick-off.