Getting their Champions League journey underway on Thursday night time, Arsenal had been pressured to accept a 0-0 stalemate away at Italian outfit Atalanta.
Whereas England worldwide Bukayo Saka might need gone shut with a first-half free-kick in Bergamo, Mikel Arteta’s aspect drastically struggled to search out any sort of fluidity within the closing third.
Though Thursday’s Champions League opener might need been a largely forgettable affair, there was just one actual second of jeopardy as David Raya produced a sensational double save simply minutes after the half-time interval.
The Spaniard received down low to his proper to maintain out Mateo Retegui’s spot-kick and someway throughout the road to scoop the striker’s follow-up header off the road.
With the ex-Brentford shot-stopper saving Arsenal’s blushes away from the Emirates, the Gunners did not muster a single shot between the 18th and seventy fifth minute.
On an evening when Arsenal received their Champions League marketing campaign underway with a toothless efficiency on international soil, we’ve taken a take a look at the important thing speaking factors.
Arsenal fail to indicate a ruthless streak
Marking their return from September’s worldwide break with a well-known 1-0 victory away at arch-rivals Tottenham final weekend, Arsenal arrived in Bergamo on Thursday night time trying to make one other assertion away from the Emirates.
Nonetheless, though the Gunners would possibly nonetheless not have suffered a single defeat throughout any competitors since opening up the brand new marketing campaign, Arteta’s males would have been left dissatisfied right here.
Failing to create any actual probabilities within the closing third and infrequently pissed off by Atalanta’s rugged defence, Arteta may have a light headache over his aspect’s latest struggles within the closing third.
Though Brazilian defender Gabriel might need powered house that dramatic second-half winner away at Spurs on Sunday afternoon, the Gunners have now failed to search out the online from open play in back-to-back appearances.
La Dea rue what was a missed alternative
Making actual historical past again in Could as they received their arms on a maiden Europa League crown due to a outstanding 3-0 romp towards German record-breakers Bayer Leverkusen, Atalanta cemented their spot as considered one of Europe’s final shock packages.
Marking their return from September’s fortnight interval with an action-packed 3-2 victory at house towards Fiorentina, La Dea had been determined to make use of that efficiency as a platform to construct on heading into Tuesday’s Champions League opener.
Though Atalanta might need missed out on the possibility to say a heavyweight upset on Thursday night time because the red-hot Retegui missed from the penalty spot simply moments after the half-time break, Gian Piero Gasperini’s males brought on Arsenal a string of points right here.
Persevering with to achieve a popularity for his or her success on the European stage, Atalanta will probably be dreaming of the possibility to ebook a knockout stage ticket and will probably be relishing a showdown towards Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk in a fortnights time.
Raya saves the day in Bergamo
Whereas many across the Emirates might need been stunned to see Raya substitute Aaron Ramsdale between the sticks following his preliminary season-long mortgage swap from Brentford, the Spanish shot-stopper has loved a outstanding rise since shifting throughout the capital.
Instantly cementing his spot as Arteta’s number-one and enjoying a vital position as Arsenal held the perfect defensive tally amongst England’s elite final season, Raya was as soon as once more Arsenal’s hero on Thursday night time.
Pulling off what’s going to lengthy be remembered as one of many best double saves in Champions League historical past, the 29-year-old has solely additional cemented his spot as an actual hist within the purple half of north London.
A part of an Arsenal squad which have now shipped only a single objective from any of their first 5 aggressive appearances throughout all competitions, Raya will definitely should be at his absolute best as soon as once more this weekend when he goes head-to-head with Erling Haaland.
Match Report
Atalanta: Carnesecchi, Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac, Zappacosta, de Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri, De Ketelaere, Lookmand, Retegui
Subs: Cuadrado, Pasalic, Zaniolo, Bellanova, Samardzic
Arsenal: Raya, White, Saliva, Gabriel, Timber, Rice, Partey, Havertz, Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
Subs: Calafiori, Sterling, Jorginho, Trossard
Objectives: N/A
Yellow Playing cards: Ederson
Crimson Playing cards: N/A
Referee: Clementin Turpin
