Tom Dunstan
Getting their Champions League adventure underway on Thursday night, Arsenal were forced to settle for a 0-0 stalemate away at Italian outfit Atalanta.
While England international Bukayo Saka might have gone close with a first-half free-kick in Bergamo, Mikel Arteta’s side drastically struggled to find any kind of fluidity in the final third.
Although Thursday’s Champions League opener might have been a largely forgettable affair, there was only one real moment of jeopardy as David Raya produced a sensational double save just minutes after the half-time interval.
The Spaniard got down low to his right to keep out Mateo Retegui’s spot-kick and somehow across the line to scoop the striker’s follow-up header off the line.
With the ex-Brentford shot-stopper saving Arsenal’s blushes away from the Emirates, the Gunners failed to muster a single shot between the 18th and 75th minute.
On a night when Arsenal got their Champions League campaign underway with a toothless performance on foreign soil, we have taken a look at the key talking points.
Arsenal fail to show a ruthless streak
Marking their return from September’s international break with a famous 1-0 victory away at arch-rivals Tottenham last weekend, Arsenal arrived in Bergamo on Thursday night looking to make another statement away from the Emirates.
However, although the Gunners might still not have suffered a single defeat across any competition since opening up the new campaign, Arteta’s men would have been left disappointed here.
Failing to create any real chances in the final third and often frustrated by Atalanta’s rugged defence, Arteta could have a mild headache over his side’s recent struggles in the final third.
Although Brazilian defender Gabriel might have powered home that dramatic second-half winner away at Spurs on Sunday afternoon, the Gunners have now failed to find the net from open play in back-to-back appearances.
La Dea rue what was a missed opportunity
Making real history back in May as they got their hands on a maiden Europa League crown thanks to a remarkable 3-0 romp against German record-breakers Bayer Leverkusen, Atalanta cemented their spot as one of Europe’s ultimate surprise packages.
Marking their return from September’s fortnight interval with an action-packed 3-2 victory at home against Fiorentina, La Dea were desperate to use that performance as a platform to build on heading into Tuesday’s Champions League opener.
Although Atalanta might have missed out on the chance to claim a heavyweight upset on Thursday night as the red-hot Retegui missed from the penalty spot just moments after the half-time break, Gian Piero Gasperini’s men caused Arsenal a string of issues here.
Continuing to gain a reputation for their success on the European stage, Atalanta will be dreaming of the chance to book a knockout stage ticket and will be relishing a showdown against Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk in a fortnights time.
Raya saves the day in Bergamo
While many around the Emirates might have been surprised to see Raya replace Aaron Ramsdale between the sticks following his initial season-long loan switch from Brentford, the Spanish shot-stopper has enjoyed a remarkable rise since moving across the capital.
Immediately cementing his spot as Arteta’s number-one and playing a crucial role as Arsenal held the best defensive tally among England’s elite last season, Raya was once again Arsenal’s hero on Thursday night.
Pulling off what will long be remembered as one of the greatest double saves in Champions League history, the 29-year-old has only further cemented his spot as a real hist in the red half of north London.
Part of an Arsenal squad that have now shipped just a single goal from any of their first five competitive appearances across all competitions, Raya will certainly have to be at his very best once again 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
Goals: N/A
Yellow Cards: Ederson
Red Cards: N/A
Referee: Clementin Turpin