Arsenal shared the factors with Atalanta on Thursday evening as they kicked off their Champions League marketing campaign with a 0-0 draw on the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo.
Neither facet created a lot in the way in which of possibilities within the first half, with Bukayo Saka’s effort from a free-kick one of the best of the opening 45 minutes, whereas Gabriel Martinelli’s strike that flashed over the bar from contained in the field was by no means threatening the goalkeeper. The hosts virtually bought in entrance when Thomas Partey conceded a penalty early within the second half, just for David Raya to supply a powerful double save in opposition to Mateo Retegui to maintain the rating even.
Juan Cuadrado was subsequent to come back near scoring with two efforts from outdoors of the field, earlier than Arsenal’s finest probability of the second half fell to Martinelli, who missed the goal after being performed in by substitute Raheem Sterling.
Not a lot urgency was proven after that effort, with the Gunners trying completely happy to take some extent as they secured a well-deserved clear sheet amid a robust defensive efficiency.
Positives
Some extent away in opposition to the Europa League winners is one thing to construct on for Arsenal within the league section, throughout a efficiency during which they defended excellently all through apart from making a gift of a penalty.
Negatives
The Gunners may have to have extra leading edge going ahead as they struggled to create a daily stream of possibilities. Martinelli had one of the best one and will have achieved higher with it within the second half, however too typically the ultimate ball was over hit and led to a turnover of possession.
Supervisor score (1-10)
Mikel Arteta, 6 — Timed his substitutions properly and was unfortunate to not see an instantaneous impression after Sterling created the largest probability of the sport shortly after approaching. A affected person strategy additionally meant Arteta’s facet was tough to interrupt down, with Atalanta solely capable of threaten from outdoors of the field apart from their missed penalty.
Participant rankings (1-10; 10: finest. Gamers launched after 70 minutes obtain no score)
GK David Raya, 8 — Obtained some data from the sidelines earlier than saving the penalty from Mateo Retegui, after which reacted excellently to disclaim the rebound try. The clear distinction on the evening.
DF Ben White, 6 — Typically in the correct place and bought ahead on the proper occasions to assist the assault. Unfortunate with a cut-back that went throughout the Atalanta field after some constructive link-up play with Bukayo Saka.
DF William Saliba, 7 — Handled conditions when known as upon and selected the correct moments to go tight to an opponent and take cost throughout one-on-one duels. An important deal with late within the sport was required to disclaim Ademola Lookman a shot at objective.
Editor’s Picks
2 Associated
DF Gabriel, 7 — Clever positioning meant Gabriel was by no means too removed from Atalanta playmaker Charles De Ketelaere, and he made it tough for the hosts’ talisman to make an impression on the sport. Dominant when difficult within the air.
DF Jurriën Timber, 6 — The 23-year-old stored issues easy and by no means regarded like being crushed down the flank. Appeared composed in possession when serving to transition the ball ahead.
MF Kai Havertz, 6 — The 25-year-old stretched the play to supply a protracted ball possibility for his facet and led numerous assaults, however his finish product may have been higher.
MF Thomas Partey, 5 — Partey helped keep Arsenal’s construction in the course of the pitch, however he may have been extra correct along with his passing at occasions. Had Raya to thank after making a gift of a penalty within the second half.
MF Declan Rice, 7 — The England worldwide was fast to identify the hazard and ensured he was all the time in the correct areas to clear it. Offered a robust hyperlink between midfield and assault, as one of many standouts for the Gunners on the evening.
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FW Bukayo Saka, 5 — The winger pressured a save from the goalkeeper with a properly positioned free-kick however was in any other case quiet for Arsenal on the correct facet. Changed by Raheem Sterling within the second half.
FW Gabriel Jesus, 5 — Gabriel Jesus labored arduous whereas main the road however struggled to make a significant impression earlier than being changed by Leandro Trossard within the second half.
FW Gabriel Martinelli, 5 — Flashed an effort over the bar with one in every of few possibilities created by Arsenal. Martinelli additionally labored arduous when serving to out Timber. Had Arsenal’s finest probability of the second half however missed the goal once more.
Substitutes (gamers launched after 70 minutes = no score)
Leandro Trossard (On for Jesus, 58″), 6 — Trossard tried to get Arsenal transferring in the correct course by carrying the ball down the left flank earlier than taking part in easy passes inside.
Jorginho (Partey, 58″), 6 — On for Thomas Partey earlier than the hour mark and stored issues ticking in midfield, although he may have taken extra care with possession at occasions.
Raheem Sterling (Saka, 72″), N/R — An look tonight noticed him change into the primary participant to signify 4 completely different English groups within the Champions League. Created an opportunity shortly after approaching when selecting out Martinelli, who smashed over the bar.
Riccardo Calafiori (Timber, 72″), N/R — A constructive efficiency by the summer season signing, who seamlessly tailored to the match, caught to his process properly defensively and offered a spark when driving with the ball by way of midfield.
