Arsenal got off to a slow start in the Champions League on Thursday, settling for a 0-0 draw against Italian side Atalanta.
When the squad news came out, it seemed like the Gunners would give it their all to secure three points, with only two changes made to the NLD XI compared to Sunday, with Gabriel Jesus and Declan Rice replacing Leandro Trossard and Jorginho respectively.
But the game told a very different story. It suggested the mantra was ‘don’t lose’ and it led to a lukewarm evening in Bergamo where only some heroics from David Raya in the penalty shoot-out saved Arsenal from an opening defeat.
Still, a point is nothing to sneeze at – especially against the defending Europa League champions – and here are three positives and negatives Arsenal can take from their midweek away games.
Positive No. 1: David Raya is the hero again
There is only one starting point: David Raya once again delivered the desired performance with a brilliant double save from the penalty spot.
Five minutes into the second half, Arsenal looked in danger when Thomas Partey fouled Éderson in the box, but after a quick chat with goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana, Raya dove in just the right way to block Mateo Retegui’s shot before miraculously jumping back up to save the rebound.
It was an outstanding performance from the Spaniard; it was not at all in line with the overall performance, but it showed his enormous talent and justifies (again) Arteta’s decision to sign him.
How decisive could this parade prove to be?
Negative No. 1: Excessive caution
This could be interpreted positively, but in reality the head coach was saved by his goalkeeper.
Arsenal were primed to neutralise Atalanta, and for good reason: they are a strong team who are most dangerous when they can exploit space in defence, and home advantage bolstered the case for a safety-first approach.
But it was ‘complemented’ by a truly awful performance on the ball. The Gunners spent long periods defending deep in their own half and couldn’t keep the ball once they won it back. They were almost happy to give it away and come away with a point.
Perhaps Arteta deserves credit for certainly not playing into the hands of the Italian team. However, the team never looked likely to score and therefore would probably have lost the game had Retegui converted his penalty.
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