Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal: Player ratings as Raya saves Gunners in Bergamo

Arsenal struggled mightily in Bergamo and were fortunate to escape with a stalemate against Atalanta in their Champions League opener on Thursday night.

Mikel Arteta opted for a strong starting XI despite the impending clash with Manchester City, and his players failed to deliver the goods in a first half bereft of entertainment.

Atalanta offered a unique challenge and were far more efficient in their use of possession than Arsenal, who tried to play over the hosts' press with little success. The Gunners' only notable moment arrived from a driven Bukayo Saka free-kick which was smarltly saved by Marco Carnesecchi, but they did at least do a good job of limiting La Dea in the final third.

A braver, more innovative second-half was required from the pragmatic visitors. but it looked as if they were going to have to play from behind when Thomas Partey gave away a penalty for clipping Ederson's heels having been skinned by the Brazilian. Fortunately, David Raya was on hand to deny Mario Retegui from the spot, with the Spaniard making a superb double save to keep the score goalless.

That should've served as a wake-up call for the flagging visitors, but Arsenal's struggles continued in the aftermath as La Dea started to sustain pressure. There was somewhat of a tempo increase after Arteta made changes, and Gabriel Martinelli should've handed the visitors a 1-0 lead when he was played in behind by Raheem Sterling. The Brazilian, though, blazed his effort over.

And that was pretty much it in terms of events. While Arsenal were well off-colour, they leave with a decent point to kick off their league phase.

Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal player ratings

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from Thursday night's draw.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - 8.5/10 - Raya was once again Arsenal's hero. He had little to do outside of his outstanding double save, but it was that moment which at least handed the Gunners a point.

Ben White (RB) - 6.5/10 - Could've had a tricky night against Ademola Lookman, but the Atalanta star rarely tested Arsenal's full-back one-on-one. A sturdier showing from White after struggling in the derby.

William Saliba (CB) - 7.5/10 - Didn't have it all his own way against Retegui, who held the ball up well, but Saliba had no issues mopping up Atalanta's threat in behind. The Frenchman completed an excellent recovery sequence against Lookman late on.

Gabriel (CB) - 7/10 - Another stout showing, even if he wasn't overly busy. Once again, had no issues defending the box.

Jurrien Timber (LB) - 6/10 - Perhaps could've done with a rest ahead of Sunday, but he got through 70 minutes of work in Bergamo. Won the bulk of his duels, but didn't have much of a say in possession.

Continued on the next slide...