Arsenal delivered a lackluster and uninspiring performance in their Champions League opener, being held to a goalless draw by Atalanta in Bergamo. The Gunners struggled to create meaningful chances throughout the match. Bukayo Saka had a threatening moment with a low free-kick in the first half, while Gabriel Martinelli wasted a promising opportunity at the near post in the second. Aside from these moments, Mikel Artetaโs side failed to generate much attacking threat.
On the other hand, Atalanta will feel they missed an opportunity to secure all three points. David Raya was the hero for Arsenal, making a stunning double save that denied Mateo Retegui from the penalty spot and on the rebound. Rayaโs efforts single-handedly ensured Arsenal left Italy with a point.
This match brought to light several key talking points that reflect Arsenalโs current struggles. While Atalanta, last seasonโs Europa League champions, presented a challenging opponent, Arsenal would have expected more from a team currently sitting ninth in Serie A, especially after the Italians had already suffered two defeats in four games this season.
One of the standout issues was Thomas Parteyโs performance in midfield. He was frequently error-prone, giving the ball away on numerous occasions. His clumsy challenge on Ederson nearly cost Arsenal the match, as it led to Atalanta being awarded a penalty. Fortunately, Rayaโs heroics saved Partey from further criticism.
Gabriel Martinelli, too, failed to make an impact on the left wing. He lacked the necessary attacking threat and squandered Arsenalโs best chance late in the game. His underwhelming display may open the door for Raheem Sterling or Leandro Trossard to take his starting spot in upcoming fixtures.
Gabriel Jesus, playing as the central striker, was similarly ineffective and was substituted before the hour mark alongside Partey. His performance raised questions about his role as the leading striker, with many wondering if Artetaโs preference for Kai Havertz in that position might be a better option.
Arteta has been experimenting with different combinations in midfield to cope with the absence of Martin Odegaard, who is sidelined due to injury. Against Tottenham, he paired Jorginho and Partey in midfield, but in Bergamo, Havertz was given a central role. At times, Havertz and Jesus interchanged positions, with Jesus dropping deep to accommodate taller players for aerial duels when Arsenal opted for long balls. While the tactical approach seemed promising on paper, it failed to translate into fluid, attacking football on the pitch.
One emerging question is whether Arteta will take a bold step and give 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri a chance in Odegaardโs absence. Nwaneri, considered a highly talented young player with a similar profile to Odegaard, remained on the bench against Atalanta. Given Arsenalโs lack of creativity, Arteta might have to consider playing Nwaneri, especially with a daunting match against Manchester City on the horizon.
Perhaps the only real positive for Arsenal in this match was David Rayaโs outstanding performance in goal. Raya has been in excellent form this season, but his double save against Atalanta may be his finest moment in an Arsenal shirt to date. After diving to his right to stop Mateo Reteguiโs penalty, Raya sprang to his left to save the Italian strikerโs rebound header. The save was described by former Premier League midfielder Robbie Savage as one of the best he had ever seen, and itโs hard to argue against that assessment.
While Arsenal managed to secure a point in Bergamo, this performance highlighted several areas of concern as they prepare for their upcoming Premier League clash with Manchester City. The Gunners will need to sharpen their attack and improve their overall team performance if they hope to challenge one of the best teams in Europe.