Arsenal secured a goalless draw against Atalanta in Bergamo, a result that aligns well with manager Mikel Arteta’s strategy. The Champions League can be a challenging tournament, and drawing away, particularly against top-tier clubs like Atalanta, bodes well as long as home matches are won.
The match lacked excitement for neutral fans. Arsenal began with energy but struggled to maintain attacking momentum. Atalanta produced even fewer threats apart from a penalty decision. With Martin Odegaard sidelined until at least November, Arsenal must find new attacking combinations. While a conservative approach may be necessary during this transition, consistent chances and goals are essential if the team aspires to achieve its goals this season.
David Raya’s remarkable double-save, including stopping a penalty and the subsequent rebound, earned him the Man of the Match title. The penalty awarded to Atalanta was controversial, resulting from Thomas Partey’s slight contact with Ederson outside the box. While a penalty was given, the lengthy VAR review highlighted the close nature of the decision, which some felt should not have been granted due to how easily Ederson fell to the ground.
The sequence leading to the penalty should also be noted, as Atalanta gained possession after Ederson, sensing he would lose the ball, dramatically hit the ground. There was minimal contact from Arsenal players, which did not justify the free-kick. Fortunately, the outcome reaffirmed the idea that “football karma” prevails.
Despite the penalty incident, Partey’s overall defensive performance was poor. His physical limitations disrupted team dynamics, necessitating his teammates to play more cautiously. As Mikel Merino recovers, Partey’s role may decrease, with both he and Gabriel Jesus substituted in the second half as Arteta prepared for an upcoming clash against Manchester City.
Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus need to find the back of the net, as they remain active but lack finishing. Martinelli’s persistent chances suggest goals will come, a better scenario than the alternative of not getting opportunities at all. Jesus could become crucial in Odegaard’s absence by effectively linking the attack and finding space.
Jurrien Timber struggled with his ball control, though this could reflect the left side’s adjustment as a unit. Riccardo Calafiori made a positive impact in his short appearance, while Raheem Sterling had limited opportunities to showcase his attacking abilities but did assist Martinelli once.
Arsenal’s center-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes continues to impress and is widely regarded as one of the best in the world. Their strong performance will be vital until the team addresses its attacking issues and Odegaard returns.
Overall, the match against Atalanta was just one of many for Arsenal. With tricky fixtures against Tottenham and Manchester City looming, a draw is a satisfactory outcome. The team will turn its focus to the next challenge.