Atalanta, Arsenal share spoils in the Champions League Group Stage
There would be nothing but the many chances created by the two teams at Gewiss Stadium as Atalanta and Arsenal shared the spoils, and ended their UEFA Champions League encounter with each other at 0-0.
Atalanta vs Arsenal
Both sides could not find the back of the net amidst the myriad chances created during the evenly contested UEFA Champions League group stage encounter.
Thus, both teams go out with mixed emotions of sadness and happiness as they continue their campaigns in the elite competition of Europe.
First half: Tactical battle
At one moment, however, both teams looked like they were very much on terms with each other in possession and creativity during the first 45 minutes, though against the fluid attacking style of play of Atalanta under Gian Piero Gasperini, and the rather disciplined defensive action and quick transitions by Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal. Little of anything by way of clear chance can be seen during the early stages of the match.
That was after Ederson, Atalanta’s was reprimanded by the referee for a waste of time at the 12th minute. That would really be terrible shooting for the night for Atalanta. The team that held its nerves was Arsenal as Jorginho, Thomas Partey and Martin Ødegaard neutralized Atalanta’s attack. There was no goal in the first half but the defending capabilities of neither really gave the other team an opportunity to score.
Second Half: Wasted Opportunities and Tactical Switch
Atalanta threw all its threats of scoring against the Arsenal defense in form of one of the stars Mateo Retegui who threatened the Arsenal defense with constant danger and in so doing brought his chance to secure the match through a penalty in the 51st minute where Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale heaved a sigh of relief as Arsenal fans at the stadium literally exhaled after his denial.
As soon as the penalty was missed, Arsenal started making some tactical changes with Leandro Trossard and Jorginho coming in place of Gabriel Jesus and Thomas Partey, respectively, in the 58th minute. Fresh legs only seemed to galvanize the energy going through the middle of the park for Arsenal, while Atalanta continued its frantic attacks in a desperate bid to get that precious one goal.
Also, Gian Piero Gasperini of Atalanta brought some managerial changes and used the likes of Nicolo Zaniolo, Riccardo Calafiori, and Raoul Bellanova to up the pace and extend the range of the attack. Still, it wasn’t enough for them to take a leading position ahead.
Energizing Closing Stages
It was during the tail-end of the game that both teams staged some meaningful threats for a score. Arsenal made changes to introduce Raheem Sterling to the field at 73 and had no expectation, one would think, about his pace and creativity to unlock the Atalanta defense. He came in for Bukayo Saka, who had been keenly marked for the entire game.
In Atalanta’s last-ditch effort for a late onslaught, they made substitues for Mario Pasalic and Ademola Lookman in the 89th minute. Still, Arsenal’s defense proved rigid, and no team could pursue their chances. Atalanta lost 0-0.
Key Stats and Performance Analysis
While the game seemed to have been scoreless, far from an inactive game, the possession of Atalanta and Arsenal was somehow equal. The teams had 50% of the ball from half-and-half in the said game. More importantly, the teams had seven chances apiece with each team managing a shot on target twice.
And for this match, xG supplied the clearest statistics: Atalanta had an xG of 1.61, basically putting the penalty miss and other high-clearance opportunities into that score line. Arsenal, on the other hand, had an xG of 0.94, meaning the Gunners created fewer clear-cut opportunities.
Arsenal’s defense, entrusted to William Saliba and Ben White, proved very tight throughout the match with 11 interceptions and seven clearances. The counts of attack were in favor of Atalanta at 45 against Arsenal’s 24 but did very little from them.
Atalanta Tactical Flexibility
Atalanta also attacked by trademark pressing and tactical flexibility. The crosses 14 by Gasperini’s side had all their four compared to Arsenal, which shows them keenly interested in attacking the wide areas. The Italian team also attempted 433 passes during the game as compared to 364 for Arsenal, showing mastery over the midfield proceedings.
However, they could not capitalize on them, primarily because of the penalty from Retegui that he chipped and wasted a chance to take all three points to their place. The defense was tight as they did not give Arsenal any chance to counter by providing them with proper opportunity and they were stubborn in defense and solid in the back.
Arsenals Fights Through
For Arsenal, it was a statement of how often and far the defensive solidity speaks louder than language of attacking splendor. Mikel Arteta’s side must have been nowhere near its best attacking shape here but at every one quality chance Atalanta created on the other end, Ramsdale produced a penalty save to give Arsenal something to build from these exertions in trying away matches.
Arteta has pondered his choice well by bringing in Jorginho and Sterling at the second half; that decision just shows how eager he had been on making tactical control of the game, in which Arsenal should be solid at the back but certainly considers the scope of counter-attacking.
What’s Next?
Atalanta and Arsenal have a lot of work in front of them ahead of the Champions League games. Atalanta dominated the attacking stats of the match, however some missed finishing opportunities do some ruing on this match result. Thus, for such missing chances, they should be sharpened up in front of the goal area. Gasperini’s side is still a dangerous opponent, and again, creating chances will be a must in the rest of the group-stage games.
Arsenal can surely breathe easy in their Champions League campaign with the clean sheet and that is something Arteta should take away from this win. The team needs to punch a few holes to get to the knockout stages but their solidity will be something to fall back upon for that torturing away game especially against such a top-notch opposition.
Conclusion
Atalanta and Arsenal played out a hard-fought goalless draw in what will prove to be the second tactical battle of the season to involve so much potential, so many near-misses, and crucial defensive moments inside 90 minutes of a big match. The defining moment was undoubtedly a shock missed Travis Head penalty but on the night, both could have won it – but will take some pluses out from their performances. Atalanta and Arsenal, after this victory, will continue to build on to set a stepping stone that ensures entry into the next round of the Champions League group stage.
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