Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal ‘lost control’ against Atalanta due to worrying reason as Man City looms

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Arsenal battled to a 0-0 draw in their opening Champions League game against Atalanta, which could not have come at a tougher time.

Mikel Arteta led Arsenal to victory in the North London derby before it was confirmed that captain Martin Odegaard would face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

With a crucial clash in the title race against Manchester City on Sunday, this was a brutal schedule for Arsenal, and a trip to Atalanta in between two domestic away trips made things difficult.

Arsenal started well against Atalanta, but could not find the breakthrough, before the hosts took control and eventually won a penalty.

David Raya saved the penalty magnificently, and his side held on to keep the clean sheet and come away with a draw. However, Arteta was not happy.

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Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal frustration after Atlalana draw

Speaking after the game, Arteta admitted his frustration with Arsenal’s performance in Atalanta after the 25th minute, as they lost the initiative in the match and could have been beaten without the heroics of their goalkeeper.

“We started the game very well. The first 25 minutes we read their approach really good,” he stated.

“After that we lost control of the game because we were very inconsistent.”

Arsenal did well to come away with a point, but they will know that if they play a similar game against Man City, then they may not secure a similar result.

How Atalanta nullified Arsenal in Champions League

Atalanta and Gian Piero Gasperini employed a tactic which saw them press forward with man-to-mark marking, but Arsenal’s stubborn defence did not let the hosts attack well either.

Arsenal started in control of possession, but Atalanta grew into the game before taking over as the better side.

Arsenal’s passing left a lot to be desired as the players sometimes got basics wrong, and this did not allow them to build any rhythm.

The hosts made it difficult for Arsenal, but Arteta’s team could have done more to try and create on a difficult night, but they will be content with the point given how tough the game was.

With Man City up ahead, Arsenal know that they will need to improve before the clash at the Etihad Stadium.