David Raya heroics can’t mask two glaring issues for Arsenal vs Atalanta - 5 talking points

ATALANTA 0-0 ARSENAL: Arsenal were given a huge let-off as David Raya produced a magnificent double penalty save from Mateo Retegui in what was one of the saves of the season so far

David Raya came to the rescue with an incredible double save from the penalty spot to save Arsenal against Atalanta in their Champions League opener - with the Gunners securing a 0-0 draw in Italy on Thursday night.

The Gunners struggled in the first half as Mikel Arteta's men were unable to find a breakthrough up against a rigid Atalanta defence - with the North London outfit having plenty of the ball but lacking the final pass.

Still, Arsenal, who welcomed back Declan Rice after his suspension in the North London derby, looked a threat at times as Havertz went close after flashing past the post with an early effort. Bukayo Saka later tested the gloves of Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi - forcing him into a smart stop from a powerful low free-kick.

In the second half, Arsenal were given a huge let-off as David Raya produced a magnificent double save from the penalty spot after Thomas Partey fouled Ederson inside the area - in what was one of the saves of the season so far.

The Gunners had a big chance to take the lead through Gabriel Martinelli - who blazed over from Raheem Sterling's pass and ultimately were left frustrated in Italy in their opening Champions League clash.

Here are Mirror Football's talking points from Arsenal's trip to Atalanta.

1 Sterling makes history

Raheem Sterling looks at home already at Arsenal having escaped from his difficult position he was in at Chelsea - and it hasn't taken him long to break a record shortly after his arrival at the Emirates. By coming off the bench for the Gunners, Sterling became the first player to feature in the Champions League for four different English clubs.

Sterling starred in the competition for Liverpool before featuring for Manchester City after he joined the Sky Blues the following year. He then turned out for the Blues in Europe's elite competition in 22/23 before coming on for Arsenal in the 73rd minute. Only a handful of players have played for three separate English clubs in the Champions League - David Batty, Yossi Benayoun, William Gallas and Kolo Toure.

2 Arsenal struggle to create without Odegaard

The Gunners struggled to get going in the first half as they failed to unlock a stubborn Atalanta back line without their chief creator Odegaard, who is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Arsenal already experienced one game without him as they edged Tottenham 1-0 in the North London derby, and while they looked good in possession at times - they were lacking the final ball that the Norwegian so often provides.

Just like against Spurs, Kai Havertz operated between midfield and attack - in front of the returning Declan Rice Thomas Partey. But with Havertz acting more as an attacking player, Arsenal lacked a player who could drive attacks and pick passes in front of two defensive-minded midfielders, which hurt them at times. Things didn't improve much in the second half as they finished the game with just a couple of shots and zero clear cut chances.

3 Raya's world class save

The biggest moment of the match - a save that was just as big as any goal you could score in this game. David Raya is already earning so many plaudits for his top saves at Arsenal, but his double stop from Mateo Retegui only solidified all the praise coming his way.

Arsenal were facing a nightmare start to the second half when Partey brought down Ederson, but Raya delivered when it mattered - getting down low to his right to palm away from the spot kick, then clambering back to his feet at some pace to somehow thwart Retegui's header at the rebound. The Spaniard showed incredible reflexes and he saved Arsenal's skin. His amazing save from Ollie Watkins this month was already a contender for goal of the season - this surpassed that for sure.

4 Ex-Gunners star impresses

In a low-key first half, one performance that did stand out was from a player that Arsenal let go of two years ago as Sead Kolasinac put in a solid display to frustrate his old side in the early stages. The Bosnia international looked like he had something to prove as he completed all but one of his passes in the first period and won five out of six duels, forming a solid part of Atalanta's firm back three on Thursday night.

That continued in the second half as Arsenal failed to click into high gear, with Saka not getting much joy down that right-hand side. Now 31, the defender will be pleased with how he fared against his former employers - who he played 118 times for between 2017 and 2022 before joining Marseille. Kolasinac has been key for Atalanta - playing 43 times last season.

5 Arsenal's glaring lack of firepower

If Arsenal ever needed a sign that they are lacking a reliable, 20+ a season striker - this was it. Arsenal were linked with a host of strikers this summer - including Ivan Toney and Julian Alvarez - but with none arriving you do wonder whether they have enough firepower to compete this season.

Gabriel Jesus was a surprise name to be given the captaincy on Thursday night and he was unable to inspire the Gunners in front of goal before being hooked on 58 minutes for Leandro Trossard - who has often had to come to the team's rescue up front. Havertz had an early chance in the first half and later in the second half we saw Gabriel Martinelli played in superbly by Sterling before somehow blazing over the bar. He arguably should have put it in the back of the net - but had to at least hit the target.

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