Arsenal shared the points with Atalanta on Thursday night as they kicked off their Champions League campaign with a 0-0 draw at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo.
Neither side created too many chances in the first half. Bukayo Saka's free-kick was the best of the opening 45 minutes, while Gabriel Martinelli's shot from inside the area that went over the bar never threatened the goalkeeper. The home side almost went ahead when Thomas Partey conceded a penalty early in the second half, but David Raya made a stunning double save from Mateo Retegui to keep things level.
Juan Cuadrado was next to come close with two shots from outside the area before Arsenal's best chance of the second half fell to Martinelli, who missed the target after receiving a pass from substitute Raheem Sterling.
There was little urgency shown after that effort, and the Gunners looked happy to take a point by securing a deserved clean sheet amid a solid defensive performance.
Positives
A point away to the Europa League champions is something to be reckoned with for Arsenal in the league, after a performance in which they defended excellently throughout, barring a penalty.
Negatives
The Gunners could use more attacking power in their attack as they struggled to create a regular flow of chances. Martinelli had the better of them and should have done better in the second half, but too often the final ball went too far and led to losses of possession.
Manager Rating (1-10)
Mikel Arteta, 6 — He picked his substitutions well and was unlucky not to make an immediate impact after Sterling created the biggest chance of the game shortly after coming on. His patient approach also made Arteta's side difficult to beat as Atalanta could only threaten from outside the box, aside from his missed penalty.
Player ratings (1 to 10; 10: best. Players who join after 70 minutes are not rated)
GK David Raya, 8 — He received information from the touchline before saving Mateo Retegui's penalty and then reacted excellently to keep out the attempted rebound. The clear difference of the night.
DF Ben White, 6 — He often found himself in the right position and advanced at the right moments to support the attack. He was unlucky with a back pass that went into the Atalanta box after a good combination with Bukayo Saka.
DF William Saliba, 7 — He handled situations when the need arose and chose the right moments to confront his opponent and take control during one-on-one duels. A crucial tackle late in the match was necessary to deny Ademola Lookman a goal-scoring opportunity.
DF Gabriel, 7 — His clever positioning meant Gabriel was never too far from Atalanta playmaker Charles De Ketelaere and made it difficult for the hosts' talisman to make an impact on the game. Dominant when challenged in the air.
DF Jurriën Wood, 6 — The 23-year-old kept things simple and never looked like he was being overtaken down the wing. He looked composed when in possession and helped transition forward.
MF Kai Havertz, 6 years old The 25-year-old stretched the game to give his team the option of long passes and led several attacks, but his end result could have been better.
MF Thomas Partey, 5 — Partey helped keep Arsenal's structure in midfield but could have been more accurate with his passing at times. He had Raya to thank for that after conceding a penalty in the second half.
MF Declan Rice, 7 — The England international was quick to spot danger and made sure he was always in the right areas to clear it. He formed a strong link between midfield and attack, being one of the Gunners' standout performers on the night.
Left forward Bukayo Saka, 5 — The winger forced the goalkeeper into a save with a well-placed free-kick but otherwise had little success on Arsenal's right-hand side. He was replaced in the second half by Raheem Sterling.
FW Gabriel Jesus, 5 — Gabriel Jesus worked hard while leading the line but struggled to make a significant impact before being replaced by Leandro Trossard in the second half.
Forward Gabriel Martinelli, 5 — The shot went over the bar in one of the few chances created by Arsenal. Martinelli also worked hard to help Timber. He had Arsenal's best chance of the second half but missed again.
Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes = no qualification)
Leandro Trossard (In the name of Jesus, 58″), 6 — Trossard attempted to push Arsenal in the right direction by carrying the ball down the left flank before playing simple passes inside.
Jorginho (Partey, 58″), 6 — He came on for Thomas Partey before the hour mark and kept play in midfield, although he could have been more careful with possession at times.
Raheem Sterling (Saka, 72″), N/R — He became the first player to represent four different English clubs in the Champions League tonight. He created a chance quickly after coming on to the pitch by passing to Martinelli, who smashed the ball over the bar.
Riccardo Calafiori (Wood, 72″), N/R — A positive performance from the summer signing, who adapted to the match without any problems, performed well defensively and provided spark when moving with the ball through the centre of the field.
