Arsenal shared the points with Atalanta on Thursday evening, starting their Champions League campaign with a 0-0 draw at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo.

Neither team had many chances in the first half. Bukayo Saka’s free-kick was the best of the first 45 minutes and Gabriel Martinelli’s shot over the bar from inside the box was no threat to the goalkeeper. The hosts almost took the lead when Thomas Partey conceded a penalty early in the second half, but David Raya pulled off an impressive double save to deny Mateo Retegui.

Juan Cuadrado was next to score with two efforts from outside the box before Arsenal’s best chance of the second half fell to Martinelli, who fired wide after being played in by substitute Raheem Sterling.

After this effort, there was not much pressure left and the Gunners seemed happy with the point they deserved without conceding thanks to a strong defensive performance.

Positive

An away point against the Europa League winners gives Arsenal a good foundation for the league phase. Apart from one penalty, the team defended excellently throughout.

Negatives

The Gunners could do with more penetration up front as they have struggled to create goalscoring opportunities on a regular basis. Martinelli had the best one and could have made better use of it in the second half but too often the final ball was hit too wide, resulting in possession being lost.

Manager Rating (1-10)

Mikel Arteta, 6 – He timed his substitutions well and was unlucky not to have an immediate impact after Sterling created the game’s biggest chance shortly after coming on. His patient approach also made Arteta’s side difficult to break down, with Atalanta only able to pose a threat from outside the box, aside from their missed penalty.

Player ratings (1-10; 10: best. Players substituted after 70 minutes receive no rating)

Goalkeeper David Raya, 8 – Received some information from the touchline before saving Mateo Retegui’s penalty and then reacted superbly to save the rebound attempt. The clear difference on the night.

DF Ben White, 6 – Often in the right position and at the right moment to move forward to support the attack. Unlucky with a back pass that went right through Atalanta’s penalty area after good interplay with Bukayo Saka.

DF William Saliba, 7 – Handled situations when it mattered, choosing the right moments to get close to the opposition and take the lead in one-on-one duels. A crucial challenge was needed late in the game to deny Ademola Lookman a shot on goal.

DF Gabriel, 7 — Thanks to his intelligent positioning, Gabriel was never far from Atalanta’s playmaker Charles De Ketelaere and made it difficult for the hosts’ talisman to influence the game. Dominant in aerial duels.

DF Jurrien Timber, 6 – The 23-year-old took it easy and never seemed to be under pressure on the wing. He seemed calm when he brought the ball forward.

Midfielder Kai Havertz, 6 – The 25-year-old extended the play to give his team the opportunity to play long balls and initiated several attacks, but his final result could have been better.

MF Thomas Partey, 5 – Partey helped maintain Arsenal’s structure in midfield but could have been more accurate with his passing at times, thanks to Raya, who conceded a penalty in the second half.

MF Declan Rice, 7 – The England international was quick to spot danger and ensured he was always in the right areas to clear it. He provided a strong link between midfield and attack and was one of the Gunners’ standout performers on the night.

FW Bukayo Saka, 5 – The winger forced the goalkeeper into a save with a well-placed free kick but was otherwise quiet on Arsenal’s right flank. Replaced by Raheem Sterling in the second half.

FW Gabriel Jesus, 5 – Gabriel Jesus worked hard at the front of the line but was unable to make an impact before being replaced by Leandro Trossard in the second half.

FW Gabriel Martinelli, 5 – He fired over the bar in one of Arsenal’s few chances. Martinelli also worked hard to help out Timber. He had Arsenal’s best chance of the second half but again missed the target.

Substitutes (players who are substituted after 70 minutes = no score)

Leandro Trossard (On for Jesus, 58″), 6 — Trossard tried to steer Arsenal in the right direction by carrying the ball down the left flank and then playing simple passes inside.

Jorginho (Partey, 58″), 6 — He came on for Thomas Partey before the 60th minute and kept the midfield in sync, although he could have been more cautious in possession at times.

Raheem Sterling (Saka, 72″), N/R — His performance tonight saw him become the first player to play for four different English teams in the Champions League. He created a chance for himself straight after coming on as a substitute, playing the ball to Martinelli who fired the ball over the bar.

Riccardo Calafiori (wood, 72″), N/R — A positive performance from the summer newcomer, who seamlessly integrated into the game, fulfilled his role in defence well and provided momentum with the ball through the midfield.