Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal: What Were The Main Talking Points As The Gunners Open Their Champions League Adventure With A Stalemate In Bergamo?

Getting their Champions League adventure underway on Thursday night, Arsenal were forced to settle for a 0-0 stalemate away at Italian outfit Atalanta.

While England international Bukayo Saka might have gone close with a first-half free-kick in Bergamo, Mikel Arteta’s side drastically struggled to find any kind of fluidity in the final third.

Although Thursday’s Champions League opener might have been a largely forgettable affair, there was only one real moment of jeopardy as David Raya produced a sensational double save just minutes after the half-time interval.

The Spaniard got down low to his right to keep out Mateo Retegui’s spot-kick and somehow across the line to scoop the striker’s follow-up header off the line.

With the ex-Brentford shot-stopper saving Arsenal’s blushes away from the Emirates, the Gunners failed to muster a single shot between the 18th and 75th minute.

On a night when Arsenal got their Champions League campaign underway with a toothless performance on foreign soil, we have taken a look at the key talking points.

Arsenal fail to show a ruthless streak

Marking their return from September’s international break with a famous 1-0 victory away at arch-rivals Tottenham last weekend, Arsenal arrived in Bergamo on Thursday night looking to make another statement away from the Emirates.

However, although the Gunners might still not have suffered a single defeat across any competition since opening up the new campaign, Arteta’s men would have been left disappointed here.

Failing to create any real chances in the final third and often frustrated by Atalanta’s rugged defence, Arteta could have a mild headache over his side’s recent struggles in the final third.

Although Brazilian defender Gabriel might have powered home that dramatic second-half winner away at Spurs on Sunday afternoon, the Gunners have now failed to find the net from open play in back-to-back appearances.

La Dea rue what was a missed…

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Author : Tom Dunstan

Publish date : 2024-09-19 23:29:20

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