ARSENAL have kicked off their Champions League campaign with a 0-0 draw at Europa League champions Atalanta.
The main talking point of the game came early in the second half as David Raya’s superb double-save denied the hosts the lead after a controversial penalty was awarded.
Declan Rice was suspended for the Gunners’ 1-0 North London derby win against Tottenham last weekend, but the midfielder returned for his side’s Champions League opener on Thursday night.
The Gunners now look ahead to Sunday’s mammoth clash with title rivals Manchester City at the Etihad.
- Match result: Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
- Atalanta team: Carnesecchi, Djimisti, Hien, Kolasinac, Zappacosta, De Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri, De Ketelaere, Retegui, Lookman
- Arsenal team: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber, Rice, Partey, Havertz, Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
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Defend teams into submission
While it worked at Tottenham and got them a point against Atalanta, it will be a very different story this weekend.
They will need to have some different tactics as not many teams are able to go to the Etihad Stadium and defend for a 0-0 draw.
Erling Haaland is on fire this season and Pep Guardiola’s side have creativity all over the park.
A tough test lies ahead for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Credit: AFP Chances win matches
When Mikel Arteta reviews his sides’ performance this evening, the reasons why they did not come away with victory are obvious.
Aside from Saka’s free kick in the first half, The Gunners created very little in Bergamo this evening.
They play some decent football but there is a lack of creativity and clear-cut chances in the final third.
If he were to issue a school report for his squads’ performance, it would simply read ‘must try harder’.
Gunners needing to improve
While many will see this as a point gained, Arsenal will have to be a lot better than this if they want to progress in the competition.
The result leaves them in 16th place in the new format Champions League table.
Mikel Arteta’s side will be aiming to finish in the top eight to progress through to the last 16 without having to play another play-off tie.
Credit: Reuters
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FT: Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
In a game of very chances, a draw may have been a fair result.
Atalanta will feel they should have won this, having missed a second-half penalty.
While it was a great double save by Raya, Retegui should have buried the rebound.
FT: Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
The referee brings the game to a close.
Atalanta and Arsenal share the points in Bergamo.
The Gunners have David Raya to thank for that one.
Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
90+2. When you see shows on TV of Champions League classic games, do not expect to see this one feature.
Zaniolo dispossesses White as he dwells on the ball and wins a corner.
It could provide one last chance for the hosts to find a winner.
Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
90. Atalanta are awarded a free kick deep in their own half.
Sterling is the player penalised for the foul.
It is hard to see either side grabbing a winner now.
We are going to have four minutes added.
Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
88. That was such an important challenge from an Arsenal perspective.
He only had Raya to beat if he had got his shot away.
Great defending by Saliba.
Credit: AP
Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
86. Zaniolo picks the ball up in the middle.
He is crowded out but manages to get the ball into Lookman.
The young forward runs at the Arsenal defence and an important challenges comes in before he can pull the trigger.
Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
84. The intensity of the game has dropped massively now.
Neither side seem to be in attacking mode for fear of defeat.
Atalanta have a throw in deep into Arsenal territory, hoping to find a goal to seal the three points.
Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
82. Into the last ten minutes of the game, a goal now for either side surely wins this game.
Atalanta do not have a recognised striker on now but Cuadrado has looked dangerous when they can get the ball to him.
If he were to score the winner, it would hurt even more, given that he is an ex-Chelsea player.
Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
80. One thing we have learnt from this game, if we didn’t already know, Arsenal need to keep Odegaard fit.
If they are hoping to make an impression on this tournament they need to be a lot better than they have been tonight.
Not many teams in the competition will be shaking in the boots watching this one.
Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
78. We edging towards the time of the game where Arsenal may be thinking about sticking with a point.
The more they send players forward, the more open they are to the counter attack.
Neither side will be overly happy with just a point here this evening.
Credit: AFP Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
76. Arsenal are awarded a free kick in a wide position.
It is a chance for The Gunners to load the penalty area.
Rice steps up to take it and sends it sailing into the stands, Jonny Wilkinson would be proud of that one.
Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
74. Calafiori and Sterling replace Timber and Saka.
Cuadrado tries another bending effort from outside the box.
Raya is at full stretch and it narrowly misses the far post.
He is starting to cause The Gunners all sorts of problems.
Arsenal counter and Martinelli is played in with the goal at his mercy but puts his effort in Row M.
Classic Martinelli.
Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
72. Saka is penalised for a foul on Cuadrado.
The Arsenal winger is not happy that the Atalanta player is seemingly making a meal of the challenge.
Somewhere Alanis Morissette is having a massive migraine, her superpower when incredibly ironic moments occur.
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Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
70. Trossard is showing more intent, moving into gaps, looking for the ball.
You wonder what options Arteta has on the bench to add that creativity to this team.
Bellanova and Zaniolo come on for Atalanta.
Zappacosta and Retegui are the players to make way.
Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
68. The home fans continue to make themselves heard.
Cuadrado has a shot from outside the box, looking to bend one in the top corner.
It narrowly misses the upright with Raya at full stretch.
Credit: Getty Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
66. White is penalised for a foul on Cuadrado.
He almost felt like he had to ensure the move stopped there as he was well out of position in the heart of midfield.
The Gunners are starting to look more frustrated as the game goes on in Bergamo.
Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
64. The Gunners are lacking that killer pass in the final third.
This is where the absence of Odegaard is so obvious.
Aside from that Saka free kick, they have rarely worked the Atalanta keeper this evening.
Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
62. Arsenal force their first corner of the second half.
It is a deep cross into the back post, headed back across goal by Havertz.
The ball ends up being spooned over the bar and a goal kick is awarded.
Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
60. Jorginho will offer something different for Arsenal now.
He can pick a short pass through the hosts’ midfield.
That said, if Atalanta are on the attack, he is prone to a rash challenge.
The Italians bring Cuadrado on for De Ketelaere.
Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
58. Trossard and Jorginho are joining the action.
Jesus and Partey make way.
Arteta is looking to freshen things up in this second half.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
