Arsenal faced Atalanta in Bergamo, ending the match in a 0-0 draw, which manager Mikel Arteta likely views as a satisfactory outcome. The Champions League is notoriously challenging, particularly during away games, and securing a draw against a Pot 2 team like Atalanta is a respectable achievement, especially if the Gunners can secure victories at home.
The game itself was uneventful for spectators. Arsenal began with some promising play, but their attacking efforts quickly dwindled. While Atalanta failed to create significant opportunities apart from a controversial penalty, Arsenal will need to adjust their attacking strategies in the absence of Martin Odegaard, who is not expected to return until at least November. The team will need to improve their ability to generate scoring chances if they are to achieve their season goals.
David Raya earned the Man of the Match title for his exceptional double save that included a penalty stop, even though the penalty award itself was questionable. Thomas Partey was penalized for a slight infringement on Ederson outside the box, which led to the penalty call. The lengthy VAR review highlighted the close nature of the decision, with many believing it should not have been awarded, primarily due to how easily Ederson went down.
Additionally, it was noted that the situation leading to the penalty could have been avoided entirely as Atalanta gained possession because Ederson fell to the ground to draw a foul without much contact from Arsenal players. However, despite the penalty controversy, Partey’s defense was poor, contributing to a lack of cohesion across the team. Both Partey and Gabriel Jesus were substituted in the second half, along with Bukayo Saka late in the game, which suggested Arteta was looking ahead to their upcoming match against Manchester City.
Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus are both in need of goals, as their efforts thus far have not yielded results. Nevertheless, Martinelli’s consistent chances suggest that scoring opportunities will eventually translate into goals. Jesus appears poised to play a pivotal role in Odegaard’s absence, showcasing his ability to create space and facilitate attacks.
Jurrien Timber struggled with ball control during this match, potentially indicating the need for the team to better coordinate their play, particularly on the left side. Meanwhile, Riccardo Calafiori had a positive cameo appearance, and although Raheem Sterling didn’t get many opportunities to shine, he did set up Martinelli for a chance.
The partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes in defense continues to receive accolades, as they showcased their excellence again in this match. Moving forward, their strong performances will be crucial while the offense looks to regain its footing with Odegaard still sidelined.
Overall, the match against Atalanta ranks as another chapter in Arsenal’s season. Given the challenges of scheduling, particularly with matches against Tottenham and Manchester City, the draw is deemed a positive result as the team prepares for their next challenges.