Arsenal rankings: David Raya the star in unexciting draw at Atalanta

Arsenal shared the factors with Atalanta on Thursday evening as they kicked off their Champions League marketing campaign with a 0-0 draw on the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo.

Neither facet created a lot in the way in which of possibilities within the first half, with Bukayo Saka‘s effort from a free-kick the perfect of the opening 45 minutes, whereas Gabriel Martinelli‘s strike that flashed over the bar from contained in the field was by no means threatening the goalkeeper. The hosts nearly received in entrance when Thomas Partey conceded a penalty early within the second half, just for David Raya to supply a powerful double save in opposition to Mateo Retegui to maintain the rating even.

Juan Cuadrado was subsequent to come back near scoring with two efforts from exterior of the field, earlier than Arsenal’s finest likelihood of the second half fell to Martinelli, who missed the goal after being performed in by substitute Raheem Sterling.

Not a lot urgency was proven after that effort, with the Gunners wanting completely satisfied to take a degree as they secured a well-deserved clear sheet amid a robust defensive efficiency.

Positives

A degree away in opposition to the Europa League winners is one thing to construct on for Arsenal within the league section, throughout a efficiency through which they defended excellently all through except for gifting away a penalty.

Negatives

The Gunners may have to have extra innovative going ahead as they struggled to create an everyday move of possibilities. Martinelli had the perfect one and will have carried out higher with it within the second half, however too usually the ultimate ball was over hit and led to a turnover of possession.

Supervisor score (1-10)

Mikel Arteta, 6 — Timed his substitutions properly and was unfortunate to not see an immediate influence after Sterling created the most important likelihood of the sport shortly after approaching. A affected person method additionally meant Arteta’s facet was troublesome to interrupt down, with Atalanta solely in a position to threaten from exterior of the field except for their missed penalty.

Participant rankings (1-10; 10: finest. Gamers launched after 70 minutes obtain no score)

GK David Raya, 8 — Obtained some data from the sidelines earlier than saving the penalty from Mateo Retegui, after which reacted excellently to disclaim the rebound try. The clear distinction on the evening.

DF Ben White, 6 — Typically in the correct place and received ahead on the proper occasions to assist the assault. Unfortunate with a cut-back that went throughout the Atalanta field after some optimistic link-up play with Bukayo Saka.

DF William Saliba, 7 — Handled conditions when known as upon and selected the correct moments to go tight to an opponent and take cost throughout one-on-one duels. An important sort out late within the sport was required to disclaim Ademola Lookman a shot at aim.

DF Gabriel, 7 — Clever positioning meant Gabriel was by no means too removed from Atalanta playmaker Charles De Ketelaere, and he made it troublesome for the hosts’ talisman to make an influence on the sport. Dominant when difficult within the air.

DF Jurriën Timber, 6 — The 23-year-old stored issues easy and by no means appeared like being overwhelmed down the flank. Regarded composed in possession when serving to transition the ball ahead.

MF Kai Havertz, 6 — The 25-year-old stretched the play to supply a protracted ball possibility for his facet and led a variety of assaults, however his finish product may have been higher.

MF Thomas Partey, 5 — Partey helped preserve Arsenal’s construction in the midst of the pitch, however he may have been extra correct along with his passing at occasions. Had Raya to thank after gifting away a penalty within the second half.

MF Declan Rice, 7 — The England worldwide was fast to identify the hazard and ensured he was all the time in the correct areas to clear it. Offered a robust hyperlink between midfield and assault, as one of many standouts for the Gunners on the evening.

FW Bukayo Saka, 5 — The winger compelled a save from the goalkeeper with a properly positioned free-kick however was in any other case quiet for Arsenal on the correct facet. Changed by Raheem Sterling within the second half.

FW Gabriel Jesus, 5 — Gabriel Jesus labored exhausting whereas main the road however struggled to make a significant influence earlier than being changed by Leandro Trossard within the second half.

FW Gabriel Martinelli, 5 — Flashed an effort over the bar with considered one of few possibilities created by Arsenal. Martinelli additionally labored exhausting when serving to out Timber. Had Arsenal’s finest likelihood of the second half however missed the goal once more.

Substitutes (gamers launched after 70 minutes = no score)

Leandro Trossard (On for Jesus, 58″), 6 — Trossard tried to get Arsenal shifting in the correct path by carrying the ball down the left flank earlier than enjoying easy passes inside.

Jorginho (Partey, 58″), 6 — On for Thomas Partey earlier than the hour mark and stored issues ticking in midfield, although he may have taken extra care with possession at occasions.

Raheem Sterling (Saka, 72″), N/R — An look tonight noticed him grow to be the primary participant to signify 4 totally different English groups within the Champions League. Created an opportunity rapidly after approaching when choosing out Martinelli, who smashed over the bar.

Riccardo Calafiori (Timber, 72″), N/R — A optimistic efficiency by the summer season signing, who seamlessly tailored to the match, caught to his job properly defensively and offered a spark when driving with the ball by means of midfield.