Mikel Arteta had promised that this week could be the acid check of how a lot Arsenal have improved this season and, on the proof of this scrappy efficiency, they nonetheless have loads to work on.
However after overcoming the primary hurdle towards Tottenham on Sunday, it wanted a miraculous double save from David Raya to rescue them from defeat within the opening match of their Champions League marketing campaign after a disjointed show that solely underlined simply how a lot they’re lacking captain Martin Ødegaard.
On reflection, the Arsenal supervisor will likely be delighted to return to London with a degree having seen his aspect outplayed at instances by Atalanta, though it might have been even higher had Gabriel Martinelli not wasted an excellent alternative 10 minutes from full time to grab the victory. Arteta had insisted earlier than kick-off that Sunday’s assembly with Manchester Metropolis had no bearing on his workforce choice. However the continued absence of Ødegaard meant he chosen Gabriel Jesus to steer the road after his return from a groin harm, whereas Kai Havertz was requested to supply the artistic spark in assist of the Brazil striker.
Three defeats of their 5 away matches in Europe final season is in stark distinction to their home type on the highway that has seen them win all however one – the 0-0 draw at Metropolis in March. Going through an Atalanta aspect who loved the best European night time of their historical past solely 120 days in the past after they beat Bayer Leverkusen within the Europa League ultimate was by no means going to be a simple project.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s aspect could also be embarking on their fourth Champions League marketing campaign however the earlier three had seen them take factors from Manchester Metropolis, Manchester United and Liverpool. In a stadium that has simply accomplished a £100m refurbishment, the house followers placed on a present earlier than kick-off by unveiling a tifo with the message “liberi di sognare” (free to dream).
It took Havertz solely 5 minutes to make an influence when he mixed with Bukayo Saka and raced into the realm, solely to ship a weak shot broad together with his proper foot. Saka was a lot nearer when he was pulled again by Éderson and struck the ensuing free-kick across the Atalanta wall and in direction of the underside nook.
Marco Carnesecchi did properly to succeed in it and the Atalanta goalkeeper reacted rapidly to maintain out Thomas Partey’s follow-up. Martinelli then fired over after extra good buildup play as Arsenal tried to determine dominance.
Atalanta at first struggled to get out of their half, though they regarded a menace each time Ademola Lookman – employed right here as a No 10 by Gasperini – obtained on the ball. Charles De Ketelaere had the primary sight of purpose for the hosts however his left-footed drive was properly off course. A measure of how that they had grown into the sport after a gradual begin was the actual fact that they had accomplished considerably extra passes than Arsenal by the thirty fifth minute, even when that they had but to check Raya.
On the different finish, Jesus – making his first begin for the reason that finish of April – was twice responsible of squandering possession simply as Arsenal regarded able to launch a counterattack. Arteta regarded like a supervisor with a lot to ponder as he headed down the tunnel on the break.
Arsenal’s gamers fashioned a huddle because the second half was nearly to start however they might not have made a worse begin. Partey had simply dedicated a foul on Éderson within the centre circle when he discovered himself up towards the Brazilian once more on the sting of his personal field.
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There was little signal of any actual contact however there was little question that Partey had been clumsy together with his problem and referee Clément Turpin instantly pointed to the spot.
Whereas the choice was being ratified by VAR, Raya ran over to the Arsenal goalkeeping coach, Iñaki Caña, for session. No matter he mentioned, it clearly labored because the Spain goalkeeper parried away Mateo Retegui’s first try earlier than one way or the other managing to cease the penalty taker’s follow-up header with an excellent full-stretch save on the goalline.
Arteta responded by changing Partey and Jesus with Jorginho and Leandro Trossard nearly instantly however his aspect might nonetheless not wrestle again management. As an alternative, it was one other substitute in former Chelsea winger Juan Cuadrado who had the subsequent sight of purpose however his dipping effort from distance was simply too excessive.
The Colombian was even nearer quickly afterwards whereas Sterling –who grew to become the primary Englishman to play for 4 completely different golf equipment on this competitors when he was launched late on – nearly had an on the spot influence when he arrange Martinelli after being performed by way of by Havertz.
However the Brazilian was wasteful and despatched his shot excessive and broad, a lot to the frustration of the travelling supporters behind the purpose as Arsenal head into the showdown with Metropolis bruised however not defeated.
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