Raya to the rescue but Arsenal lack spark without Martin Odegaard
Another game, another clean sheet and that feels like par for the course with Arsenal right now.
Even if Mikel Arteta’s side are undoubtedly feeling the effects in attack without Martin Odegaard, at least they can rely on their defence.
“The Thames Barrier” is how former Arsenal defender Martin Keown dubbed it after this point in Atalanta, while Rio Ferdinand labelled it the best in the Premier League.
In the space of a month, however, Raya has topped it and Arsenal have him to thank for the fact they left Italy with a point.
After keeping out Mateo Retegui’s second-half penalty, Raya showed incredible reflexes to spring up and save the follow-up header.
It was bright moment in an otherwise dull game, which saw two sides cancel each other.
Raya was the difference between them and the goalkeeper has enjoyed an incredible start to the season.
He has, arguably, been Arsenal’s best player so far and looks transformed from the player he was a year ago.
Back then, Raya looked shaky as he battled with Aaron Ramsdale to be the team’s No1. Now, he has the aura of a world-class goalkeeper.
Arsenal laboured to a point in Italy and it was impossible to escape the feeling they were lacking their chief playmaker.
Odegaard is the player that makes Arsenal tick and, without him controlling the midfield, they looked toothless.
Arteta elected to play Kai Havertz in midfield in Odegaard’s place, but he struggled to get into the game.
Defensively the German was typically tireless, however going forward he could not give Arsenal the creativity they need.
Havertz has excelled as a striker since the turn of the year and Arteta must be tempted to keep him there.
Rusty Jesus unable to make an impact
Gabriel Jesus was Arsenal’s shining light in the Champions League last season.
The striker scored four goals in the competition last season, making him the joint top scorer for the Gunners.
The Brazilian’s Champions League experience proved invaluable and the stage looked set for him to shine against Atalanta, with Jesus handed the captain’s armband for the night.
Gabriel Jesus struggled to make an impact against Atalanta
REUTERS
He struggled, however, to make an impact and instead there were signs of rust.
That is no surprise given Jesus has been out with a groin injury, however Arsenal need him back to his best quickly.
With Odegaard out injured, Arteta needs his other attackers to step up and help fill the void left by the Norwegian.