David Raya’s gorgeous double save from Mateo Retegui’s penalty-kick earned a 0-0 draw for Arsenal in opposition to Atalanta in Bergamo of their Champions League opener.
Raya went the proper method to deny Retegui from the spot after Thomas Partey had fouled Ederson, however much more spectacular was the way in which the Arsenal goalkeeper leapt to his ft to maintain out the follow-up header from the Atalanta striker. It was a unprecedented feat of agility by the Spaniard.
The Gunners had made a promising begin to the sport with Bukayo Saka forcing a save from Marco Carnesecchi with a low shot from a free-kick, however Mikel Arteta’s facet have been annoyed for lengthy durations thereafter with Gian Piero Gasperini’s Europa League winners proving a troublesome take a look at.
Gabriel Martinelli wasted Arsenal’s finest opening within the second half, spooning over the bar when clear by on the angle. However a draw represents a stable begin in opposition to awkward opposition and Arteta’s ideas will now flip to that showdown with Manchester Metropolis on Tremendous Sunday.
Evaluation: Atalanta stifled Arsenal
Given the way in which that Atalanta outfoxed Liverpool in final season’s Europa League earlier than inflicting Bayer Leverkusen’s solely defeat of their marketing campaign within the closing, maybe Arsenal’s efficiency ought to be put into context. Gasperini’s facet could be difficult 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 advised TNT Sports activities. “They follow you all over the pitch and it is hard to adjust.”
Saka and Martinelli discovered that out. The Arsenal wingers thrive in one-on-one conditions and Arteta is a grasp at engineering it in order that they will isolate their full-backs. Atalanta’s 3-4-3 formation made that troublesome. Saka and Martinelli had the fewest touches within the first half.
Bukayo Saka has had probably the most one-on-one conditions within the Premier League because the begin of the 2022/23 season
Arteta: Among the best saves I’ve seen
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says his facet have loads to enhance on after their 0-0 draw away at Atalanta within the Champions League however was stuffed with reward for goalkeeper David Raya.
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta talking within the press convention:
“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.
“Towards a workforce which might be man-to-man clearly that causes you transition moments as a result of the second that you just lose your man there’s area and you’re in equal numbers within the again line or overloaded. Defensively, we didn’t undergo. That’s the actuality.
“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.
“Final yr was already very spectacular and excellent however this season he has began exceptionally. The save in opposition to Villa and at this time, he saved us within the sport, that’s the actuality. You want that out of your keeper at this stage and I’m actually glad he’s within the type he’s in for the time being.”
Participant of the match: David Raya
David Raya chatting with TNT Sports activities:
“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 feel we might have performed just a little bit higher however we managed the sport. We weren’t at our greatest at this time but when we can’t win the sport, finest to not 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.
David Raya dives to his proper to avoid wasting Mateo Retegui’s penalty
Arsenal’s David Raya will get as much as save Mateo Retegui’s follow-up shot for Atalanta after the penalty
“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.
“In fact the gamers, employees and followers really feel they’re pleased with me. Inaki [Cana] the goalie coach is so assured in me. I simply need to ship for the followers and the membership. I am simply in a great way now and wish to enhance as all the time.”
