Following their narrow win over Tottenham, Arsenal locked horns with Atalanta and managed to escape with a goalless stalemate, which was a fair result, all things considered.
It was very drab affair from an attacking perspective, with the defenders showing their prowess, working tirelessly to repel the barrage of attack Atalanta put throughout the game.
Here are some key takeaways from the draw against Atalanta.
David Raya is in Exceptional Form
After a very successful loan spell, Arsenal and Brentford reached an agreement to make David Raya’s deal permanent and he has started the new season in exceptional form. In five games played this season, Raya has raked four clean sheets, and three of those four clean sheets have come in grounds Arsenal were expected to concede – Villa Park, Tottenham Stadium and Gewiss Stadium last night.
To put it in the right context, Arsenal is seventh on the xGC charts in the Premier League with expected goals conceded of 4.45 and non-penalty expected goal against of 4.6. Based on that data, Arsenal’s xCS is 1.46, but Raya and his cohorts have three clean sheets in the competition, continuing the amazing clean sheet haul of last season.
Last night, Raya’s clean sheet was heavily threatened when Thomas Partey foolishly scythed Ederson in the box. His response was a fantastic save for Mateo Retegui’s penalty and even got himself up to make a second save from the rebound. Exceptional.
The Form of the Collective Defense is Imperious
While Raya might take the plaudits for his clean sheet keeping exploits, a major part of his success story has been the imperious form of the Arsenal defense which comprises of the ever-present Gabriel, William Saliba and Ben White, that have been joined by Jurrien Timber, returning to full fitness after suffering an ACL injury last season.
Riccardo Calafiori is knocking at the door and will certainly want to prove his worth in a defense that has become quite impregnable in recent campaigns. Last night, the defenders were committed to keeping their clean sheet intact, making tackles, clearances, interceptions and what have you.
Grade A Satanball in its finest form.
Gabriel Martinelli is Bereft of Confidence
Gabriel Martinelli was one of the main reasons why Emile Smith Rowe was ousted from the first team and even when an experienced and established winger like Leandro Trossard joined the club, he struggled for minutes due to the form of Martinelli. The young Brazilian even finished the 2022/23 Premier League campaign with 15 goals, and great things were expected of him.
Fast forward to last season, Martinelli became a mere shadow of the swashbuckling winger that was successful with take-ons and contributions in the final third. His form waned terribly and he eventually lost his place to Trossard. Arteta handed Martinelli a start ahead of the Belgian winger this season and he has stunk up the place again.
His shooting has been very erratic and his contributions in the final third has left a lot to be desired.
Arsenal Missed Martin Odegaard’s Pressing, Influence and Creativity
Arsenal really missed their captain, Martin Odegaard, and the lack of cutting edge creativity really showed in the skipper’s absence. Havertz couldn’t replicate Odegaard’s creativity when he played as the attacking midfielder last night, and when Trossard was brought into the role in the second half, his passing was downright atrocious.
The fact that it’s been reported that Odegaard could be out for eight to ten weeks breaks my heart, but we will have to soldier on without him.
