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Arsenal underperformed but still managed to secure a 0-0 draw against Atalanta in Round 1 of the UEFA Champions League at the Gewiss Stadium on Thursday, September 19.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta made two changes to the lineup that took on Tottenham Hotspur in the last game. Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus came into the XI, with Jorginho and Leandro Trossard making way. However, Atalanta were up for the challenge and made the sharper start to the contest. Their only drawback was their inability to find the target despite two first-half attempts.
The Gunners, on the other hand, had two half-chances to score in the first half. Thomas Partey and Bukayo Saka both attempted shots on goal but were unable to find a way past Atalanta custodian Marco Carnesecchi. Both sides took a cautious approach to the contest as they entered the interval deadlocked at 0-0.
The second half saw Atalanta willingly give up some possession in the hopes they would break free on a counter-attack. Just six minutes into the second half, they had their moment as Ederson burst into Arsenal's box and was pulled down by Partey, with the referee awarding a penalty. There was a delay due to a VAR check but the referee's decision stood.
Mateo Retegui stepped up to take the spot-kick and fired a low shot towards the left, with David Raya diving to make a save. The rebound fell kindly to Retegui but Raya showed incredible reflexes to make a recovery and a follow-up save as well. Much to the disappointment of the home fans, these were the only two shots on target that Atalanta could manage.
Arsenal, on the other hand, lacked any spark in the final third and failed to hit the target with two attempts. Gabriel Martinelli arguably had the best chance of the contest for the Gunners but skied his shot from inside the box. While they were nowhere near their best, Arteta will be pleased with the result although the game ended in a goalless draw.
On that note, let's take a look at the Gunners' player ratings.
Arsenal Player Ratings
David Raya - 8/10
Raya made just two saves throughout the contest but those turned out to be game-changing moments for Arsenal. He also distributed the ball with 60% accuracy and was named Player of the Match.
Benjamin White - 6.5/10
White had a decent game as he won two duels and also made one interception.
William Saliba - 7.5/10
Saliba was once again solid in defense for the Gunners. He won three duels and made five clearances. He also made a heroic tackle to deny Ademola Lookman a shot on goal in the second period.
Gabriel Magalhaes - 7.5/10
Gabriel won five duels, making four clearances and one interception. He also helped his teammates get out of tight spaces as he played five accurate long balls.
Jurrien Timber - 7/10
Timber played for 73 minutes before being replaced. He won four duels, making two clearances and one block. He also completed two dribbles.
Kai Havertz - 6.5/10
Havertz had a rather slow game by his standards. He won four duels and attempted one shot that was off-target.
Thomas Partey - 6/10
Nearly the culprit of a defeat, Partey gave a penalty away with shabby defending in his own box. He won two duels and attempted one shot on target.
Declan Rice - 7/10
Rice put in a composed performance in midfield, winning four duels and passing the ball with 93% accuracy.
Bukayo Saka - 6.5/10
Saka had a subpar performance by his lofty standards as he managed just one tame effort on target. He also won just one duel and did not play any notable passes or crosses.
Gabriel Jesus - 6.5/10
Arsenal's captain for this game, Jesus put in a disappointing performance up front. He failed to attempt a single shot but played three key passes.
Gabriel Martinelli - 6/10
Martinelli's struggle to find form extended with this performance as he missed a glorious chance to score in the second half. He also failed to win a single duel or play any notable passes.
Substitutes
Jorginho - 6.5/10
Jorginho replaced Partey just before the hour-mark and helped Arsenal play a shorter and quicker game.
Leandro Trossard - 6/10
Trossard replaced Jesus but seemed to be off-color as he misplaced several passes by playing them a bit too heavily.
Riccardo Calafiori - 7/10
Calafiori added a new dynamic to the game when he came on and tried to drive forward with the ball on multiple occasions.
Raheem Sterling - 6.5/10
Sterling replaced Saka but failed to have the desired impact for the Gunners.
