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.
It was the nucleus of their 0-0 draw with Atalanta as Arsenal kicked off their Champions League campaign with a point.
Raya to the rescue
When David Raya made a heroic save to keep out Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins last month, you felt comfortable in the thought you wouldn’t see a better one all season.
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.
DAVID RAYA, TAKE A BOW!
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 19, 2024
One of the best double saves you'll ever see 🤯
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/sPgZF293QI
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.
Odegaard’s absent felt
Arteta predicted life without Odegaard would be a “great test” and it certainly seems that way.
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.
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.
