Thomas Partey struggles in Arsenal’s Champions League draw at Atalanta

Arsenal played out a goalless draw against Atalanta in their Champions League opener last night.

The Gunners travelled to Bergamo on Matchday 1 of the league phase. The club had a good start at the Gewiss Stadium with four shots in the opening 30 minutes.

However, they struggled thereafter with just two shots attempted for the remainder of the game. Atalanta were by far the better side after the break and should have scored.

The Serie A side were gifted a penalty by midfielder Thomas Partey, but goalkeeper David Raya saved his blushes with one of the best goalkeeping moments in the club’s history.

The Spaniard ace initially saved Mateo Retegui’s effort towards his right before diving at full stretch to save the rebound. Raya continued his sensational form this term.

Partey was substituted soon after the penalty incident and it will be interesting to see whether he will make the starting line-up when Arsenal face Manchester City.

The £45 million signing played 90 minutes in the club’s first four games of the campaign, but manager Mikel Arteta decided to replace him with Jorginho before the hour mark yesterday.

Partey won just two out of five ground and aerial duels (60% duels lost). He completed only 79% of his passes and he was guilty of losing possession on eight occasions.

The 31-year-old had several poor giveaways in the middle of the park and also committed the foul for the penalty. It was soft but he should have avoided contact with Ederson.

Jorginho was not exceptionally great as a substitute for Partey, but he made a couple of good interceptions. He may get the nod to start against the Cityzens.

Arsenal are currently two points adrift of Pep Guardiola’s side for the top spot in the Premier League and Sunday’s game could be an early decider for the league title.

Stats from Sofascore.com