Arsenal produced a dull and unremarkable display in their Champions League opener, ending in a goalless draw against Atalanta in Bergamo. The Gunners struggled to create significant chances during the match. Bukayo Saka had a threatening moment with a low free-kick in the first half, while Gabriel Martinelli squandered a good opportunity at the near post in the second. Beyond these instances, Mikel Arteta’s team struggled to pose an attacking threat.
Conversely, Atalanta may feel they let a chance slip to claim all three points. David Raya emerged as the standout performer for Arsenal, executing a remarkable double save that thwarted Mateo Retegui from the penalty spot and on the follow-up. Raya’s contributions ensured Arsenal left Italy with a point.
This match underscored several critical issues reflecting Arsenal’s ongoing difficulties. Although Atalanta, last season’s Europa League champions, provided a tough challenge, Arsenal would have anticipated a better showing against a team currently ranked ninth in Serie A, especially after Atalanta had already suffered two defeats in their first four matches of the season.
One major concern was Thomas Partey’s midfield display. He frequently made mistakes, conceding possession repeatedly. His reckless challenge on Ederson nearly cost Arsenal, leading to a penalty for Atalanta. Luckily, Raya’s heroics spared Partey from further scrutiny.
Gabriel Martinelli also struggled to influence the game on the left wing, lacking the necessary attacking threat and missing Arsenal’s best chance late on. His disappointing performance could pave the way for Raheem Sterling or Leandro Trossard to take his starting position in future matches. Gabriel Jesus, positioned as the central striker, was equally ineffective and was substituted before the hour mark along with Partey. His performance raised doubts about his role as the lead striker, prompting questions about Arteta’s choice to use Kai Havertz in that position.
Arteta has been trying various midfield combinations to address the absence of Martin Odegaard due to injury. Against Tottenham, he paired Jorginho and Partey, but in Bergamo, Havertz took on a central role. At times, Havertz and Jesus exchanged positions, with Jesus dropping deeper to assist in aerial challenges when Arsenal opted for long balls. Despite the tactical plan appearing sound, it failed to produce cohesive attacking play.
One question is whether Arteta will take a risk and give 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri an opportunity in Odegaard’s absence. Nwaneri, viewed as a highly promising talent similar to Odegaard, was benched against Atalanta. Given Arsenal’s creativity issues, Arteta might need to consider including Nwaneri, especially with a challenging match against Manchester City approaching.
Arguably the only real positive for Arsenal was David Raya’s exceptional performance in goal. Raya has been in great form this season, but his double save against Atalanta might be his standout moment in an Arsenal shirt thus far. After diving to his right to stop Retegui’s penalty, he quickly leapt to his left to save the striker’s rebound header. Former Premier League midfielder Robbie Savage hailed the save as one of the best he’d ever witnessed, and it’s difficult to dispute that claim.
While Arsenal managed to secure a point in Bergamo, this performance revealed several areas of concern as they prepare for their upcoming Premier League match against Manchester City. The Gunners will need to enhance their attacking efforts and overall team performance to compete with one of Europe’s elite teams.
