Arsenal seek for breakthrough at Atalanta in Champions League opener – reside
Arsenal kick off their Champions League campaign with a clash against Serie A side, and last season’s Europa League winners, Atalanta away from home.
It’s a tricky start to the newly revamped competition for Mikel Arteta’s men but they will be confident about securing all three points despite a growing injury list. Arsenal have started the season with three wins and a draw from their first four Premier League matches and are in good touch ahead of this European outing.
In comparison, Atalanta have made an mixed start to their own domestic campaign. Two wins and two defeats perhaps points to a lack of consistency but they are difficult opponents to overcome. The Italians beat Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final to end the Germans’ unbeaten run for the campaign and win their first trophy since the 2011 Serie B title.
Arteta is hoping to add to Arsenal’s trophy cabinet this season and has eyes on the biggest European prize but to do so the Gunners will need to set down a marker tonight.
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HALF-TIME! Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
A fairly interesting first half, but not one of the most entertaining. Arsenal controlled it in the first 20 or so minutes, but the home side grew into it and created more chances by the end.
All to play for in the second half, though the lack of jeopardy means that this result is fine for both teams. You could certainly see that in the first half.
HALF-TIME! Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
The referee blows the whistle for half-time in Bergamo.
Both sides are in the game after a first 45 that was intriguing, if a little uneventful. Bukayo Saka’s free-kick was the only notable chance of the half.
Surely better to come in the second half?
Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
Arsenal look to finish strongly as they have possession on the edge of the Italians’ box. Martinelli can’t shimmy past Zappacosta, and Partey hits it out of play after a mis-communication.
There’ll be one minute of added time.
Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
Ruggeri fires in an early cross that De Ketelaere can’t get under control, and Arsenal clear. Atalanta have possession again soon though, as Jesus fouls Kolasinac.
Another Arsenal attack ends as Partey squanders possession.
Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
Arsenal happy to keep the ball at the moment as they look to re-establish themselves in this match. Raya ends up going long and Havertz nods it down, but it runs out of play as Saka chases it.
A lull in notable activity over the last 10 minutes.
Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
A nice combination from Lookman and Ruggeri puts the latter into the Arsenal box, but it’s good defending from Saliba as he shepherds the Italian off the ball.
Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
An Arsenal attack breaks down after a sloppy pass from Partey, but the same happens at the other end after a poor ball from de Roon. Not a lot of attacking quality on show so far in Bergamo.
Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
The atmosphere at the Gewiss Stadium is impressive. Maybe it’s throwing Arsenal out of their groove. They lose possession again as Partey’s header falls to a blue-and-black shirt.
Not a lot really going on here, it must be said.
Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
Atalanta have grown into the game over the last five minutes or so. They’re enjoying some more sustained possession, with one cross cleared before they re-build with de Roon.
The home side work some nice little combinations between Lookman, Zappacosta and De Ketelaere, but the Italian mistimes his run and Arsenal win the throw.
