Arsenal draw with Atalanta in Champions League opener
David Raya's goalkeeping heroics ensured that Arsenal were only held to a goalless draw against Italian side Atalanta on Thursday, in a tough start to their campaign in the revamped Uefa Champions League. Mikel Arteta's side left Bergamo with a point after a low-key performance in a red-hot atmosphere at the refurbished Gewiss Stadium. The Premier League side would likely have been defeated had goalkeeper Raya not pulled off an astonishing double save to stop Mateo Retegui from netting first from the penalty spot and then on the rebound early in the second half. Missing Martin Odegaard to a serious ankle injury suffered on international duty with Norway, Arsenal were largely solid but lacked imagination going forward and after having an early spell of dominance never looked like winning. On Sunday Arsenal head to league title rivals Manchester City, where they will need a brighter display than they one they put in on Thursday in northern Italy. Europa League holders Atalanta had the better of a tight game which featured little goalmouth action, and will be encouraged by there efforts in their first Champions League match since being dumped out at the group stage in 2021. (AFP)