Arsenal travelled to Bergamo for their Champions League opener against Atalanta, and they knew it would not be an easy tie.
The hosts headed into the season as Europa League champions, as Atalanta thrashed Granit Xhaka’s Bayer Leverkusen in the final, which served as a warning about the quality they possess when it comes to pressing.
Arsenal were dealt a blow as Martin Odegaard was ruled out with an injury that could keep him sidelined for a while, and Mikel Arteta made changes to try and adapt to life without him.
Gabriel Jesus and Declan Rice replaced Leandro Trossard and Jorginho in the lineup which secured a 1-0 victory in the North London derby, but this was an entirely different test.
In what was a tough game, David Raya proved crucial as he made an outstanding double save from a penalty, but Arsenal struggled to find openings in front of goal as both sides were defensively organised, resulting in a 0-0 draw.
Arsenal player ratings against Atalanta
David Raya – 10
Raya didn’t have much to do for a lot of the game, but delivered when called upon as he made a sensational double save after Thomas Partey gave a penalty away. Another game-saving moment, with strong distribution throughout. £27m was a bargain.
Ben White – 7
Fairly quiet, but also kept key threat Ademola Lookman quiet. Could have done better with some of his deliveries in the final third.
William Saliba – 8
Solid in defence, composed on the ball as usual. A standard strong performance, and he was alert to make an excellent tackle to prevent Ademola Lookman in the late stages of the game.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 7
Strong at the back again alongside Saliba. Interchanged positions with Jurrien Timber to push out wide at times. Played some tidy passes forward.
Jurrien Timber – 6
Solid defensively, often moved central when in possession. Could have offered more wing support to Gabriel Martinelli.
Thomas Partey – 4
Sloppy on the ball at times despite some occasionally good forward passes, before giving away a penalty at the start of the second half, which Raya superbly saved. Not his night.
Declan Rice – 5
Strong defensively and helped prevent Atalanta in transitions. Occasionally slow on the ball, and could have done better when presented with a chance to counter-attack in the first half. Very poor delivery from an indirect free-kick in a good position in the final 15 minutes.
Kai Havertz – 5
Had to adapt to a new midfield role in the absence of Odegaard. Very quiet throughout and struggled not have the same impact as in previous games as a striker.
Gabriel Martinelli – 5
Martinelli’s approach play was fairly strong in tough circumstances but did get on the end of two chances. Unfortunately, he sent both over the bar, with his second a particularly glaring miss, and was unable to find some much-needed confidence in front of goal.
Bukayo Saka – 6
Forced a strong save from a direct free-kick in the first half. Drove forward well at times but Atalanta defended superbly to keep him at bay.
Gabriel Jesus – 6
Back from injury and into the starting lineup as captain, but looked rusty at times against a stubborn defence, before he was replaced by Leandro Trossard. Created some openings but could not find a shot himself.
Substitutes
Raheem Sterling – 7
Jorginho – 6
Leandro Trossard – 5
Riccardo Calafiori – 7
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