ARSENAL began their new-look Champions League campaign with more David Raya heroics.
The defences won out in the first half, with just one save of note from a Bukayo Saka free-kick.
GettyDavid Raya kept his clean sheet with a piece of genius goalkeeping[/caption]
But within three minutes of the restart – and then a lengthy VAR check – Atalanta had a penalty.
Raya, though, spared Thomas Partey’s blushes with a truly extraordinary double save.
And that was the closest either side came to a goal in the 0-0 draw.
Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Mikel Arteta’s men…
David Raya – 9
Produced a simply stunning double save to stop Mateo Retegui’s penalty and then flung himself across to push away the follow-up rebound header – even better than his effort to deny Ollie Watkins.
Robbie Savage labelled it the “best save I’ve ever seen” while Gunners fans lauded their Spanish hero, who has conceded just once in five games so far this term.
Ben White – 7
Given the daunting task of trying to keep Ademola Lookman quiet inside a rocking Gewiss Stadium but completed the job with his classic relaxed, languid demeanour.
William Saliba – 8
One of the world’s top centre-backs but did not need to be anywhere near his best – solid enough when called upon, including excellent late sliding tackle in own box.
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Retegui showed great movement but Saliba will have far sterner tests this season, none more so than up against Erling Haaland on Sunday.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 7
Like his partner Saliba, Gabriel helped ensure the Arsenal defence came out on top.
Starting to run out of words to say about this pair who just concede so few chances.
Jurrien Timber – 7
Adds an extra dimension to this Arsenal side – showing just how much he was missed when sidelined last season.
Arguably had the easiest evening’s work off the four defenders.
Thomas Partey – 4
Martin Keown described the Gunners’ retraction en masse during the transition as Arteta putting up his own “Thames Barrier”.
But Partey nearly allowed the floodgates to open by giving away the penalty three minutes into the second half – only to be rescued by Raya’s heroics.
RexThomas Partey gave away the penalty just after half-time[/caption]
RexDavid Raya produced a stunning double save from the penalty and rebound[/caption]
GettyBen White was up against Ademola Lookman[/caption]
Declan Rice – 6
Top awareness to sniff out the Atalanta danger and help control midfield.
But squandered a great chance to drive Arsenal forward when he won the ball on the halfway line and could have launched a dangerous counter.
Kai Havertz – 6
With Jesus starting up front, Havertz dropped into a deeper role – but he is perfectly comfortable there, too, and can carry the ball forwards.
Little to show for his evening, though, but continued to put a shift in defensively until the final whistle.
Buakyo Saka – 6
Drew the foul from Ederson who collected an early yellow and from the resulting free-kick almost squeezed a low effort into bottom corner but for top save.
Given a breather for final 20 minutes with an eye on Sunday.
Gabriel Jesus – 5
Captain on the night was his typical busy self early on getting himself around but virtually all of his involvement was outside the Atalanta penalty area.
Withdrawn before the hour mark.
Gabriel Martinelli – 4
Struggled to get in the game and then when he did get in, squandered a really good chance when he blazed over.
Definitely not hitting top form so far this season and may well find himself among the subs against Manchester City.
PABukayo Saka went close with a drilled free-kick[/caption]
GettyKai Havertz played deeper in midfield[/caption]
GettyMarco Carnesecchi made the save then thwarted Partey’s follow-up effort[/caption]
ReutersGabriel Jesus struggled to get involved at the business end of pitch[/caption]
SUBS
Leandro Trossard (for Jesus, 58 mins) – X
Plenty of energy from the Belgian.
Jorginho (for Partey, 58 mins) – X
Headed on for Partey before the hour mark – presumably knowing a strong showing could get him a starting spot at the Etihad.
Raheem Sterling (for Saka, 73 mins) – X
Became first player ever to represent four English clubs in the Champions League and immediately set up Martinelli.
Riccardo Calafiori (for Timber, 73 mins) – X
Helped ensure Arsenal kept the clean sheet – crucial minutes with his new team-mates.
ReutersArsenal went to Italy to face the Europa League champions[/caption]
