David Raya makes outrageous reaction save to deny Ollie Watkins with goal gaping from close range - as fans hail Arsenal star's acrobatic stop as 'world-class' and the 'save of the season'

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David Raya made a breathtaking save to deny Ollie Watkins from point-blank range and keep Arsenal on level terms against Aston Villa - before the Gunners went on to win 2-0.

The Spaniard looked down and out when Amadou Onana's deflected shot looped over him as he dived back and bounced off the bar into Watkins' path. 

Raya was on the floor time stood still and Watkins hared down on the ball unmarked with most of the goal to aim for.

But the Villa star headed it just within reach and Raya produced a cat-like save to claw the ball away, earning comparisons to Gordon Banks. 

Within 15 minutes Leandro Trossard came on and put Mikel Arteta's side ahead, while Thomas Partey bagged another 10 minutes later, with fans lauding Raya's contribution.

David Raya denied Ollie Watkins with an extraordinary save before Arsenal took the lead

While some fans hailed Raya, other assessed Watkins harshly for his spurned chance

Raya was the toast of the town after keeping Arsenal in the game before their two goals

'World-class man,' one wrote on X, formerly Twitter. 

'Save of the season,' said one. 

'Up there with the Gordon Banks save,' a user said, giving a nod back to the England goalkeeper's renowned save to deny Pele at the 1970 World Cup.  

'David Raya already giving the Premier League promotional videos,' another said. 

'I see why Arsenal bought him now,' one wrote, referring to Raya usurping Aaron Ramsdale. 

Others came down harder on Watkins. While the ball bounced at an awkward height for him, there was a feeling he could have directed the ball out of Raya's reach in the far corner. 

'The save wasn't that good. The player was poor,' one wrote. 

'He has to score that,' another said. 

Raya earned a comparison to 'Graham Banks' - presumably the fan meant Gordon Banks' stunning save against Pele and Brazil in 1970

 

Other fans pointed the finger at Watkins for his profligacy on this afternoon at Villa Park

'Poor from Watkins,' came the verdict of another. 

After losing both games to Aston Villa last campaign, this was a critical hurdle cleared for Arsenal.

They have hit the ground running with two wins from two, having beaten Wolves by the same scoreline in the opening weekend. 

Their next three games see them take on Brighton at home before trips to Tottenham and Manchester City, more huge tests of their title credentials.