David Raya’s Champions League heroics not only earned him the acclaim from his Arsenal teammates and fans – but also a kiss from Micah Richards.
The Gunners goalkeeper wonderfully kept out Mateo Retegui’s 51st minute penalty, before scooping away the forward’s rebound in Thursday’s 0-0 draw at Atalanta.
Richards was left buzzing by Raya’s answer to a question about the CBS Sports panelX: @CBSSportsGolazo
His remarkable double save helped earn the north London giants a credible point in their European Cup opener away at the Gewiss Stadium.
Euro 2024 winner Raya now boasts four clean sheets from five games in all competitions this season having dazzled in each of his side’s fixtures.
And in his post-match interview with CBS Sports, Manchester City cult hero Richards wanted to get to the important question – who his favourite pundit on the panel is.
With Arsenal legend Thierry Henry watching on alongside Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher, Richards said: “I would just like to ask you, who is your favourite on the show?”
To which a laughing Raya replied: “Oh you put me right on the spot there.”
Carragher then referenced Raya’s penalty heroics, which he also showed in last season’s last-16 win over Porto, as he quipped: “Well you’re normally good when someone’s got it on the spot, so come on.”
It led Raya to say: “I like you all, but for me I think Micah takes it, he’s quite funny.”
Richards instantly responded in jubilant fashion, as he channelled his inner-Jude Bellingham by spreading his arms in the air.
He then sprinted towards the big screen, where he told him, ‘You stay there baby,’ before planting a kiss on his face.
Screaming, ‘I love you’, at the ex-Brentford star, Raya then joked, ‘See for those things, you win a lot of people there.’
Richards sprinted towards the big screen after being left delighted at being named Raya’s favourite punditX: @CBSSportsGolazo
He planted a smacker on the goalkeeper’s face – much to the Spaniard’s amusementCBS
Gunners icon Henry simply put his head in his hand after being left disappointed by Raya’s answerX: @CBSSportsGolazo
Raya somehow kept out the rebound from Retegui to help earn Arsenal a point at AtalantaGetty
As Henry covered his head in his hand in disappointment, Richards said: “David, what an interview, get yourself rested for Sunday baby.”
But instead of referencing the upcoming clash against title rivals City at the Etihad, Raya instead tried to make amends with Henry, saying: “Titi, don’t look like that!”
Football fans were loving the segment, as one X user messaged: “No lies tho… Big Meeks is the comedy of the show.”
Another posted: “There is only ever one correct answer to this question and Raya knows it.”
A third added: “The best thing that ever happened to CBS Sports is Micah.”
This fan then commented: “Big Meeks is my favorite too. He’s just a bunch of joy.”
Meanwhile one simply stated: “Micah is a vibe.”
