Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Atalanta was an unremarkable one, but a few players did impress in tough circumstances.
Atalanta proved to be as difficult as previously feared, with Gian Piero Gasperini employing a man-marking pressing style which ultimately meant both teams suffocated each other from creating many clear chances.
David Raya made an outstanding double save after Thomas Partey gave away a penalty in an otherwise uneventful match, and Arsenal struggled to push forward at times during the second half.
Mikel Arteta’s side improved somewhat after a double substitution he made, which saw summer signings Riccardo Calafiori and Raheem Sterling come on, and Sterling created a good chance which Gabriel Martinelli blazed over the bar.
Both substitutes injected new life into Arsenal, and Calafiori has now been praised for his display.
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Fabio Capello praises Riccardo Calafiori after Arsenal cameo vs Atalanta
Speaking on Sky Sport Italia after the game, legendary manager Fabio Capello, who managed England, Real Madrid and AC Milan amongst others, highlighted Calafiori’s impact off the bench, describing Calafiori as “an intelligent player who knows how to move off the ball and can make the right choices.”
Calafiori replaced Jurrien Timber, and whilst the Dutchman was again solid in defence, the Italian offered more going forward as he inverted into midfield and drove the ball forward superbly in possession.
The former Bologna defender missed the North London derby with an injury he picked up during the International break, but Arteta has now praised him for his quality and mental strength.
Mikel Arteta agrees with Fabio Capello over Riccardo Calafiori
Replying to Capello in Italian, Arteta explained that Calafiori’s intelligence was a big reason that he signed the defender, and praised him after his frustrating injury over the break.
“This is why we signed him,” Arteta replied.
“Calafiori has a lot of character and in these games in particular he is able to take certain positions that make it very difficult for the opponent to get a reference point.
“It was a tough week for him, as he picked up that injury on international duty, I think he came on really well.”
Even though Timber has performed well, it may only be a matter of time before we see Calafiori in the starting lineup, but his cameos off the bench have been very promising so far.
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