Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal PLAYER RATINGS: Who lacked composure? Which Gunners star struggled to crack the Italian defence? And who had Mikel Arteta in his ear?
Arsenal made a disappointing start to their Champions League campaign on Thursday evening, drawing 0-0 against Atalanta in Italy.
Mikel Arteta’s side had to call on David Raya to make a superb save from Mateo Retegui as they were forced to defend without the ball for long periods.
In the absence of captain Martin Odegaard, they struggled to create chances at the other end of the pitch as the Europa League winners outmaneuvered the Premier League title contenders for much of the match.
Still, it was a point on the scoreboard for Arsenal in the new phase of the competition, as Manchester City are their next opponent in a thrilling Premier League clash.
Mail Sport’s JOE BERNSTEIN rates the players from Italy.
Arsenal started the new Champions League campaign with a 0-0 draw against Atalanta
David Raya saved a penalty in the second half in a sensational double save for his team
After going down to save the penalty, the Spaniard got back up to save the follow-up
Arsenal (4-3-3)
DAVID RAYA-8
Could have played in slippers before he made a great save on a penalty, denying Retegui the ball and then diving to stop the rebound.
BEN WIT – 6.5
Sacrificed some of his attacking instincts to keep Arsenal compact and secure a valuable point away from home.
WILLEM SALIBA – 7
He showed why he rivals Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk as the best central defender in the Premier League.
GABRIEL – 6.5
He was bothered by the sharp movements of Retegui and De Ketelaere, but Raya received excellent protection.
William Salbia (right) showed why he can be the best central defender in the Premier League, while Jurrien Timber (left) has made Arsenal even stronger
Declan Rice (left) will be pleased with his contribution for Sunday’s crucial match against Manchester City
JURRIEN TIMBER – 6.5
Had Arteta in his left ear in the first half. Has made Arsenal even more solid since his return from injury.
DECLAN RICE – 7
Rice will be pleased with his contribution to both sides as he warmed up for Sunday’s match against Manchester City’s Rodri.
THOMAS PARTEY- 5.5
Strong as an ox, but conceded a penalty after being caught by Ederson. The Ghanaian was substituted shortly afterwards.
KAI HAVERTZ – 7
The German, who was nominally Martin Odegaard’s midfielder, also moved forward in support of Jesus.
BUKAYO SAKA – 6
He forced Carnesecchi into a fantastic save early on, but the organised Italian defence proved difficult to crack.
Bukayo Saka forced a fantastic save early on, but the Italian defence was difficult to crack
GABRIEL JESUS - 6
Wearing the captain’s armband, he began a Cruyffian turn but was not quick enough to grab the rebound of Saka’s shot.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 5.5
His pace made him a good out-baller, but he lacked composure, and he messed up his lines when Sterling set him up in the closing stages.
SUBSTITUTE
Jorginho 6 (for Partey 58)
Trossard 5.5 (for Jesus 58)
Sterling 6 (for Saka 73)
Calafiori 6 (for Timber 73)
Manager: Mikel Arteta – 7
One of the toughest matches, so the defense was well organized.
Mikel Arteta did well to organise his team’s defence in what was one of the tougher games
Atalanta (3-4-3)
MARCO CARNESECCHI-7
He went low to his left to block Saka’s free kick with his fingertips, a vital save to prevent his team from conceding an early goal.
BERAAT DJIMSITI – 6
The 31-year-old Albania captain was assisted by Zappacosta in subduing the tense Martinelli.
ISAK HIEN – 7
Did his job efficiently in the middle of Atalanta’s back three without being flashy. Kept Jesus relatively quiet.
SOWED KOLASINAC – 7
Big night for the defender, who spent five years at Arsenal and did well. Tigerish against Saka and safe in possession.
DAVIDE ZAPPACOSTA – 6.5
Used his defensive qualities to give Martinelli an extra body to deal with. Still has energy to deal with his know-how at 32.
EDERSON-6.5
He put himself in danger early on by showing a yellow card for a tap on Saka, but earned his team a penalty early in the second half.
MARTEN DE ROON – 6
The Dutch midfielder has come a long way since playing for Middlesbrough. Kept the ball but without penetration.
MATTEO RUGGERI – 6.5
Created a threat with crosses from the left, but found Arsenal too physical when trying to break forward with the ball.
CHARLES DE KETELAERE – 6.5
Showed good movement and Raya came into action with a shot from outside the penalty area that was not far away.
ADEMOLA LOOKMAN – 6.5
The Londoner started well against one of his home teams, the volume increasing as soon as he got the ball.
MATEO RETEGUI-6
Four goals in his last four Serie A games, but couldn’t beat Raya from the penalty spot, his flick back heel setting up De Ketelaere.
SUBSTITUTE
Cuadrado 7 (for De K’laere 60)
Bellanova 6 (for Zappacosta 70)
Zaniolo 6 (for Retegui 70)
Samardzic (for Lookman 89)
Pasalic (for Ruggeri 89)
Manager: Gian Piero Gasperini – 6.5
Good move to send Cuadrado, but until then it won’t amount to much.