Atalanta vs Arsenal. UEFA Champions League.
Gewiss StadiumAttendance22,858.
Arsenal's Champions League campaign kicks off with a goalless draw away to Atalanta – and they have David Raya to thank for the point earned in Bergamo; goalkeeper saves Mateo Retegui’s second-half penalty before pawing the follow-up header away
Thursday 19 September 2024 23:26, UK
David Raya's stunning double save from Mateo Retegui's penalty-kick earned a 0-0 draw for Arsenal against Atalanta in Bergamo in their Champions League opener.
Raya went the right way to deny Retegui from the spot after Thomas Partey had fouled Ederson, but even more impressive was the way the Arsenal goalkeeper leapt to his feet to keep out the follow-up header from the Atalanta striker. It was an extraordinary feat of agility by the Spaniard.
The Gunners had made a promising start to the game with Bukayo Saka forcing a save from Marco Carnesecchi with a low shot from a free-kick, but Mikel Arteta's side were frustrated for long periods thereafter with Gian Piero Gasperini's Europa League winners proving a tough test.
Gabriel Martinelli wasted Arsenal's best opening in the second half, spooning over the bar when clean through on the angle. But a draw represents a solid start against awkward opposition and Arteta's thoughts will now turn to that showdown with Manchester City on Super Sunday.
Given the way that Atalanta outfoxed Liverpool in last season's Europa League before inflicting Bayer Leverkusen's only defeat of their campaign in the final, perhaps Arsenal's performance should be put into context. Gasperini's side can be tricky opponents, tactically.
"They have played the same way under this coach for a long time and they are a very tough team to crack," Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice told TNT Sports. "They follow you all over the pitch and it is hard to adjust."
Saka and Martinelli found that out. The Arsenal wingers thrive in one-on-one situations and Arteta is a master at engineering it so that they can isolate their full-backs. Atalanta's 3-4-3 formation made that difficult. Saka and Martinelli had the fewest touches in the first half.
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta speaking in the press conference:
"I think we played, especially with the ball, in the right areas with the right intention and were effective without creating many clear-cut chances. And after that we lost control of the game because we were very inconsistent with the ball, giving a lot of simple balls away.
"Against a team that are man-to-man obviously that causes you transition moments because the moment that you lose your man there is space and you are in equal numbers in the back line or overloaded. Defensively, we did not suffer. That is the reality.
"But obviously we gave the penalty away in the second half and I witnessed two of the best saves that I have seen in my career from David to save us in that moment.
"Last year was already very impressive and very good but this season he has started exceptionally. The save against Villa and today, he kept us in the game, that is the reality. You need that from your keeper at this level and I am really happy he is in the form he is in at the moment."
David Raya speaking to TNT Sports:
"We know it is a tough place to come, they are a magnificent team. They made it very difficult for us but we made it very difficult for them as well. They did not create many chances, just the penalty, that was it.
"I think we could have played a little bit better but we managed the game. We were not at our best today but if we cannot win the game, best not to lose it.
"It was just a penalty where I was lucky to go the right way and save it. I was unlucky that it rebounded straight to him but I was just quick enough to get up and save the rebound. It is fantastic to be able to keep the clean sheet and at least help the team get a point.
"The decision to go to the sideline was because it was a long time to decide if it was a pen or not. I went to the goalkeeper coach and asked where to go and where not to go, what to do and what not to do. He helps me with everything and helped me make the save.
"Of course the players, staff and fans feel they are happy with me. Inaki [Cana] the goalie coach is so confident in me. I just have to deliver for the fans and the club. I'm just in a good way now and need to improve as always."
