Champions League: Arsenal Draw 0-0 with Atalanta
Despite the assurance from manager Mikel Arteta on the improved performance of his Arsenal team this season, this week termed a litmus test, proved a demanding one as the recent performance was not up to par. The team had to intensely rely on their goal-keeper David Raya’s tremendous double-save to prevent a loss from Atalanta in their opening match of the Champions League, confirming the massive effect of the absence of their team captain Martin Ødegaard.
Reflecting on the match, Arteta would be quite pleased with the team securing a point following their struggle against the superior playing of Atalanta. However, the outcome could have been more favourable had Gabriel Martinelli capitalised on the golden chance to win the match ten minutes into the second half. Despite the previous commitment by Arteta that the Sunday face-off with Manchester City wouldn’t influence his team selection, the void of Ødegaard made him assign Gabriel Jesus as the key forward following his comeback from a groin injury. Kai Havertz was chosen to inject the much-needed creativity to support the striker from Brazil.
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Last season’s three losses from their five away European matches is a clear contradiction to their laudable domestic away matches, barring the 0-0 draw with City in March. Arsenal had a challenging match facing Atalanta, who have had their most significant European win against Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final, just four months prior.
While Atalanta are diving into their fourth Champions League season, they have previously managed to secure points from Manchester City, Manchester United, and Liverpool. Their home fans celebrated their recent completion of a £100m refurbishment of their stadium by presenting a tifo that read “liberi di sognare” symbolising ‘free to dream’ before the game commenced.
In just five minutes on the field, Havertz teamed up with Bukayo Saka, rushing into the field only to misfire with his right foot. Meanwhile, Saka’s attempt at the goal was blocked by Éderson, allowing him to direct a free-kick that skirted Atalanta’s defence towards the lower corner. Atalanta’s goalie, Marco Carnesecchi, made a notable effort to intercept it and was swift to thwart the follow-up by Thomas Partey. There was another missed goal by Martinelli following an excellent set-up, marking Arsenal’s dominant gameplay.
Initially, Atalanta struggled to break free from their half, although signs of danger emerged every time Ademola Lookman, deployed as No 10 by Gasperini, took possession of the ball. The first shot on the hosts’ goal came from Charles De Ketelaere, but his left foot sent the ball haywire. However, an indicator of Atalanta’s increasing command over the game post the sluggish start emerged when their pass completions surpassed Arsenal’s by the 35th minute, even though Raya had not yet been tested.
On the flip side, there were two instances when Jesus, playing his first game since April end, gave away the ball just as Arsenal seemed on the brink of counterattacking. This left Arteta, the team’s manager, with a lot of thinking to do during the half-time break.
As the second half began, Arsenal regrouped but the start was anything but good. In a foul committed on Éderson, Partey found himself facing off against the Brazilian near his own box. Despite no apparent contact, Partey’s awkward tackle drew a penalty from referee Clément Turpin.
While VAR was confirming the decision, Raya went to consult with Iñaki Caña, Arsenal’s goalkeeping coach. Whatever advice he was given worked wonders, as he was able to deflect Mateo Retegui’s initial shot, followed by an extraordinary save on the goalline, preventing Retegui’s subsequent header from scoring.
Reacting to the game’s flow, Arteta opted to replace Partey and Jesus with Jorginho and Leandro Trossard, yet it didn’t help his team regain control of the match. Instead, the next real opportunity was created by substitute and ex-Chelsea winger, Juan Cuadrado. His long-range attempt, however, was slightly over the crossbar.
The Colombian came even closer to scoring shortly after, while Sterling – becoming the first English player to feature for four different teams in the tournament – nearly made an immediate impact. He fashioned a chance for Martinelli after receiving a pass from Havertz.
Regrettably, Martinelli’s aim was off, and his shot went over and wide of the posts. This left the away fans feeling disappointed, with Arsenal heading into their clash with City battered but not beaten, as reported by The Guardian.
In other Champions League games, Atletico Madrid bested RB Leipzig 2-1, Monaco prevailed over Barcelona 2-1, Brest scraped past Sturm Graz 2-1, Benfica edged Red Star Belgrade 2-1, and Bayer Leverkusen thrashed Feyenoord 4-0.