Arsenal got their Champions League campaign off to a disappointing start on Thursday night as they drew 0-0 with Atalanta in Italy.
Mikel Arteta’s side had to call on David Raya to pull off a fine double save from Mateo Retegui as the Gunners were forced to defend for large periods without the ball.
They struggled to create chances at the other end of the pitch in the absence of captain Martin Odegaard, as the Europa League winners got the better of the Premier League title chasers for large parts of the game.
Still, it was a point on the board for Arsenal in the new league phase, with Manchester City up next in a crunch Premier League tie.
Mail Sport’s JOE BERNSTEIN rates the players from Italy.
Arsenal started the new Champions League campaign off with a 0-0 draw against Atalanta
David Raya saved a second half penalty in what was a sensational double stop for his side
After getting down to stop the spot kick, the Spaniard rose again to keep out the follow up
Arsenal (4-3-3)
DAVID RAYA – 8
Could have played with slippers before an incredible penalty save, diving to his right to deny Retegui and then left to claw away the rebound.
BEN WHITE – 6.5
Sacrificed some of his attacking instinct to keep Arsenal compact with every away point valuable in the Champions League.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 7
Rivalling Virgil van Dijk as the best central defender in the Premier League. And his partnership with Gabriel is the new Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
GABRIEL – 6.5
Bothered by some of the sharp movement from Retegui and Charles De Keletaere but gave Raya excellent protection in the away goal.
William Saliba (right) showed why he could be the best centre back in the Premier League, while Jurrien Timber (left) has made Arsenal even more solid
Declan Rice (left) will be pleased with his contribution ahead of Sunday’s game with Man City
JURRIEN TIMBER – 6.5
Had Mikel Arteta in his ear as he paraded the left-hand side in the first half. Has made Arsenal even more solid since recovering from injury to replace Oleksandr Zinchenko.
DECLAN RICE – 7
If this was a warm-up for his heavyweight battle against Rodri on Sunday, Rice will be pleased with all-round contribution, both defensively and breaking forward.
THOMAS PARTEY – 5.5
Strong as an ox but conceded a penalty after being out-run by Ederson. Raya saved the spot-kick but the Ghanaian was subbed shortly after.
KAI HAVERTZ – 7
Selflessly showed his versatility on his 50th Champions League appearance. Nominally Martin Odegard’s midfield replacement, he also pushed forward to support Gabriel Jesus.
BUKAYO SAKA – 6
Forced a fantastic save from Marco Carnesecchi early on but found organised Italian defence tough to crack. Didn’t look fully fit and almost let Juan Cuadrado score.
Bukayo Saka forced a fantastic save early on but found the Italian defence tough to crack
GABRIEL JESUS – 6
Given captain’s armband, started with a Cruyff turn but wasn’t quick enough to nab the rebound from Saka’s shot. Tired after recent lay-off and subbed.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 5.5
His pace made him a good out-ball but lacked the composure to have an end product. Fluffed his lines when set up by Raheem Sterling in closing stages.
Substitutes
Jorginho 6 (for Partey 58)
Trossard 5.5 (for Jesus 58)
Sterling 6 (for Saka 73)
Calafiori 6 (for Timber 73)
Manager: Mikel Arteta – 7
One of the tougher fixtures so did well to organise defence.
Mikel Arteta did well to organise his side’s defence in what was one of the tougher fixtures
Atalanta (3-4-2-1)
MARCO CARNESECCHI – 7
Got down low to his left to keep out Saka’s free-kick with his fingertips. An important save to stop his side falling behind early.
BERAT DJIMSITI – 6
Captain of the Albania national team, 31-year-old Djimisti was helped out by extra support from Davide Zappacosta in stifling the livewire Martinelli.
ISAK HIEN – 7
Did his job efficiently in the middle of Atalanta’s back three without being flashy. Survived an early scare to stick close to Jesus and kept the Brazilian relatively quiet.
SEAD KOLASINAC – 7
Big night for the Bosnia international who spent five years at Arsenal and handled it well. Tigerish against Saka and safe in possession too.
Defender Saed Kolasinac (right), who spent five years at Arsenal, handled his big night well
DAVIDE ZAPPACOSTA – 6.5
Used his defensive qualities on the right side of midfield to give Martinelli an extra body to deal with. Has still got the energy to go with his knowhow at 32.
EDERSON – 6.5
Put himself in danger with early booking for a tug on Saka but won his side penalty early in second half after being clipped by Partey.
MARTEN DE ROON – 6
Netherlands midfielder has come on a long way since he played for Middlesbrough. Now 33, he wore the armband and helped the Italians keep possession but without penetration.
MATTEO RUGGERI – 6.5
Caused danger with crosses from the left but found Arsenal’s physicality too much when he tried to break forward with the ball.
CHARLES DE KETELAERE – 6.5
Good movement and had Raya scrambling with a dig from outside the box that wasn’t far away. Something of a surprise he was the first Atlanta player off.
ADEMOLA LOOKMAN – 6.5
Londoner started well against one of his hometown clubs. Adored in Italy following his Europa League final hat-trick, the volume rose when he got on the ball.
MATEO RETEGUI – 6
Four goals in his last four Serie A games but couldn’t beat Raya from the penalty spot. Showed quick feet to set up De Ketelaere with backheel.
Ademola Lookman (left) started well against Arsenal and proved a useful asset in attack
SUBSTITUTES
Cuadrado 7 (for De Keletaere 60)
Zaniolo 6 (for Retegui 70)
Bellanova 6 (for Zappacosta 70)
Manager: Gian Piero Gasperini – 6.5
Good move to send Cuadrado on but little punch until then.
Referee: Clement Turpin (France) – 6
