WITH Manchester City up next, this was not the week for Arsenal to go cold in front of goal.
But with David Raya in between the sticks, the Gunners will always be in safe hands.
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The Spaniard pulled off a stunning double save from Mateo Retegui’s 51st minute penalty – the latest addition to his collection of world class stops since becoming the club’s No.1.
As VAR checked Thomas Partey’s foul on Atalanta’s Ederson in the box, Raya sprinted over to the Arsenal dug-out for a last-minute chat with goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana.
Not that Raya needs any advice on saving penalties, such is his superb record, sending Arsenal to the Champions League quarter finals with two shoot-out stops against Porto last season.
He won the Prem’s Save of the Month in August for an insane reactive stop on his own goal line to deny Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, but this one was arguably even more jaw-dropping.
Down to his right to palm away Retegui’s first attempt and then back to his feet like a tasered eel scrambling to his left to fingertip the follow-up header destined for the corner.
It is a save that earned a below-par Arsenal a point in their Champions League opener against a tough Italian outfit, but a performance that will leave Mikel Arteta potentially far more concerned than relieved.
A reasonable result at any other time, this will feel like a confidence-deflator ahead of their title-defining trip to the Etihad in two days’ time.
In their hard-fought victory at Tottenham on Sunday, attacking flair was few and far between, instead replaced by defensive solidity, winning the game via more set-piece magic.
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But yet again in Bergamo, Arteta’s boys were found guilty of lacking an eye for goal, unable to dig out a moment of brilliance from open play to win a tight contest.
Another goalless draw against City would not be disastrous, but last season’s 0-0 between the pair ultimately cost Arsenal a first Prem title in 20 years, ending the term two points from glory.
There is the sense that Arteta’s men need to change the narrative, seize the initiative and dent Pep Guardiola’s winning-machine when they get the chance.
But right now, Arsenal couldn’t ripple a child’s paddling pool, let alone the back of the net.
Through gritted teeth in the build-up, Arteta revealed his skipper and talisman Martin Odegaard would be out for the foreseeable future with ankle ligament damage.
But amid the injury crisis growing by the day in his squad, Arteta had options to play with as Declan Rice was back after suspension and Riccardo Calafiori returned from a calf knock.
Yet there was no rest for the big hitters with just two changes from the North London Derby – Rice and Gabriel Jesus coming in for Jorginho and Leandro Trossard.
A bold call from Arteta with a potentially title-defining clash sooner than he would have liked. The Spaniard eyed momentum and a winning mentality heading to the Etihad.
In the early stages, it looked as though Arteta’s decision would be validated as Arsenal took control with some slick play, dominating proceedings with ease.
Saka cut inside and had a fizzed effort deflected out for a corner. Kai Havertz then linked up with Jesus but the German’s attempt dribbled wide after driving into the box.
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The win at Spurs was at times edgy, nervy and an unpleasant watch for the neutrals. The Gunners were pinned in with their backs against the wall and defending resolutely for spells.
There was a different feel to this one. A sense from the visitors that they could toy with their opponents and hit them with moments of brilliance at any given moment.
But there was a no real urgency or aggression as Arsenal looked to be going through the motions. Saka’s low curler of a free-kick forced Marco Carnesecchi into his first stop.
Another Ballon d’Or nominee in Ademola Lookman was doing his best to spark his own side into life, drifting inside and chipping into the box as Rice covered well at the back post.
Charles De Ketelaere pinged over after a rare foray into the Arsenal box. Raya was yet to muddy his shorts.
Huff and puff responded Arsenal in attack. Gabriel Martinelli blazed over with a panicked finish after a cute throw-in routine from the playbook of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover.
For all their possession, Arteta’s men were as blunt as airport cutlery as the half-time whistle blew. The travelling Arsenal fans are not usually kept waiting for goals these days.
Three minutes into the second half, they were treated to some goalmouth action, but at the wrong end as Partey was turned far too easily, tangling himself up in Ederson’s legs and sending the Brazilian to the deck.
Referee Clement Turpin pointed to the spot immediately before VAR decided to take an age to complete their check. Arteta spent it waggling his finger in the air from his technical area.
Raya’s save – something that is now expected, not just hoped for – did little to galvanise his teammates.
Subs Raheem Sterling, Jorginho, Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori were ineffective.
Arsenal have now won just one of their last six away games in Europe, a real surprise given their incredible run of 10 wins from 11 on the road in the Prem in 2024.
Bergamo blushes spared, Arteta needs a significant away-day moment this weekend.
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