Arsenal and Atalanta play out to a goaless draw in their UEFA Champions League opener on Thursday. Gunners were praised despite the result.
Arsenal faced UEFA Europa League winners Atalanta in their opening ecounter. Both teams went into the match with significant absentees from their squad. Arsenal had their captain Martin Odegaard sidelined with injury while Atalanta had their first choice defenders absent. Anyway a goaless draw is never agood start for both teams. Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand went on to praise Arsenal despite being held to a 0-0 draw against Atalanta. Let’s look at a review of the match.
ATALANTA VS ARSENAL MATCH REVIEW
It was a game that deserved goals as some say. Both teams had their chances but couldn’t capitalise on it. Atalanta had the best of the chances among the duo with a 51st minute penalty which was missed by Mateo Retegui. It was the second challenge in a row for Arsenal after the London Derby of the weekend. Again it was David Raya who made a double penlaty save to secure a point on the day.
In the first half Bukayo Saka wipped in towards the bottom corner which was saved by Atalanta keeper Marco Carnesecchi. Thomas Partey tried to poke in the rebound but was denied again. Before the 17 minute mark Martinelli was again presented with the chance which was fired well over the bar.
Since then the match saw meager chances with both teams losing possession in midfield. The best chance of the game came in the 51st minute which was for the home side. Ederson went past Thomas Partey into the box and saw him clipped. After a lengthy VAR check the decision was made and penalty was awarded. Italian international Mateo Retegui took responsibility of the spot kick. David Raya came up with a first save that rippled back to Retegui and was destined to end up in goal. The Spaniard surprised everyone with a second save to keep the score level.
But then again the match went to a tight contest. Juan Cuandrado of Atalanta had a couple of chances towards the 70 minute mark both whistled past the post without disturbing Raya. But seconds later Arsenal got a golden oppertunity in the shape of Martinelli who escaped behind the opposition defense. But was off balanced and shot the ball way over the bar.
WHAT RIO FERDINAND SAID?
Manchester United legendary defender Rio Ferdinand praised Arsenal for their good performance despite dropping points. As per the BBC Sport, Ferdinand said :
‘Arsenal are resolute now. They are a team that are hard to play against, home or away, and that is not what you want as an opposition player.’
‘They are a team that other teams are looking at and thinking, ‘I’d rather give that one a miss.’
Like Ferdinand said Arsenal have become one of the formidable teams in Premier League right now. Their confidence and the work ethic they put forward in the matches are really impressive. After the North London Derby, Mikel Arteta was seen saying that he was happy with the way his team did ‘the ugly things’ to get the result over line. They have one of the best defences in the Premier League now. David Raya is now condiered as the best goalkeeper in the league now.
WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?
Arsenal head to Man City for one of the most overlooked fixture of the season. A fixture that can influence the title challenge of this season. This is the biggest challenge Arteta and co are up against this season that too without their captain Martin Odegaard. It would be interesting to see how Arteta is going to line up against City. It will be the third consecutive away match Gunners are going to play.
A trusted source on GoonerNews.comFor more football updates, make sure to follow us on:
