Arsenal managed a 0-0 draw away from home to Atalanta to start their Champions League campaign. They face Manchester City this weekend, and Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini has pointed out a potential weakness in the Arsenal team.
Mikel Arteta’s men were put under a lot of pressure in the second half and even conceded a penalty just after half time. David Raya saved the spot kick from Mateo Retegui and denied the rebound to keep the Gunners in the game. Atalanta had more possession and more shots in the second half of the game, with Gasperini believing Arsenal played for a draw at the end of the match.
The Gunners had a similar performance against Spurs in the North London derby last weekend, but a header from Gabriel was enough to seal all three points in a 1-0 win. Mikel Arteta praised the team for an ‘ugly’ win with a long list of absentees on the day.
Arsenal could lose midfield battle on Sunday
Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini says the reason his team had Arsenal under pressure in the second half was because his midfield outplayed the Gunners and won their duels in the middle of the park:
“I agree, Ederson was even stronger in the second half, he showed his remarkable strength. That is the heart of the game and we were undoubtedly helped by the defensive work of the strikers, but our midfielders won most of the duels,”
“It was not easy to break down the Arsenal defence and we need to improve our play out from the back, but I am satisfied. We learned something from this match and want to carry that forward. This is why we’ve managed to grow so much in recent years and been able to play at this level.”
According to SofaScore, on Thursday night; Arsenal’s midfield trio of Havertz, Rice and Partey only managed to win 10 of their 27 duels combined. And it reflected in the game as the Gunners could barely get out of their half on the night.
Pep Guardiola believes Gunners are ‘stronger’
In the build up to Sunday’s clash, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has said he is aware of how ‘strong’ Arsenal are this season after adding a few signings this summer:
“Every season they get stronger – depth of squad, add more players with top quality. Every season is even better,”
“Everyone knows they grew up year by year. They have been close but we are so strong, and still we are strong and looking forward to the game.
“They do many good things: high pressing, defending deep, in transitions. They are a complete team, that’s why they have been our biggest rivals in the last two seasons.”
