Arsenal shared the points with Atalanta on Thursday evening as they opened their Champions League campaign with a 0-0 draw at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo.

Neither side created many chances in the first half, with Bukayo Saka’s free-kick effort the best of the opening 45 minutes, while Gabriel Martinelli’s shot that flew over the bar from inside the box never threatened the keeper. The hosts almost took the lead when Thomas Partey gave away a penalty early in the second half, but David Raya made an impressive double save from Mateo Retegui to keep the scores level.

Juan Cuadrado then came close to scoring with two shots from outside the penalty area, but Arsenal’s best chance of the second half fell to Martinelli, who missed the ball after being played in by substitute Raheem Sterling.

There was no rush after that effort, with the Gunners looking happy with a point as they kept a clean sheet and had a strong defence.

Positive

A point away at the Europa League winners is something to build on for Arsenal in the league stage, after a performance in which they defended superbly, apart from giving away a penalty.

Negatives

The Gunners may need more cutting edge going forward as they struggled to create a consistent flow of chances. Martinelli was the better side and should have done better in the second half but too often the final ball was missed and led to a turnover of possession.

Manager rating (1-10)

Mikel Arteta, 6 — Timed his substitutions well and was unlucky not to make an immediate impact after Sterling created the game’s best chance shortly after coming on. A patient approach also meant that Arteta’s team were hard to break down, with Atalanta only threatening from outside the box apart from their missed penalty.

Player ratings (1-10; 10: best. Players brought on after 70 minutes will not be rated)

Goalkeeper David Raya, 8 — Got some information from the sideline before saving Mateo Retegui’s penalty, then reacted superbly to deny the rebound attempt. The clear difference of the night.

DF Ben White, 6 — Often in the right position and at the right times forward to support the attack. Unlucky with a cut-back that went over the Atalanta penalty area after some positive link-up play with Bukayo Saka.

DF William Saliba, 7 — Handled situations when necessary and chose the right moments to tackle an opponent tightly and take control during one-on-one duels. A crucial tackle late in the game was needed to deny Ademola Lookman a chance on goal.

DF Gabriel, 7 — Gabriel’s intelligent positioning meant he was never far from Atalanta playmaker Charles De Ketelaere and he made it difficult for the hosts’ talisman to have an impact on the game. Dominant when challenged in the air.

DF Jurriën Timber, 6 — The 23-year-old kept it simple and never looked like he would be beaten on the wing, looking calm in possession as he helped move the ball forward.

MF Kai Havertz, 6 — The 25-year-old extended the game, gave his team the opportunity to play long balls and led a number of attacks, but his end result could have been better.

MF Thomas Partey, 5 — Partey helped maintain Arsenal’s structure in the middle of the pitch, but could have been more accurate with his passing at times. Had to thank Raya after he gave away a penalty in the second half.

MF Declan Rice, 7 — The England international was quick to spot danger and ensured he was always in the right places to clear it, providing a strong link between midfield and attack, as one of the Gunners’ standouts on the night.

FW Bukayo Saka, 5 — The winger forced a save from the keeper with a well-placed free-kick, but was otherwise calm for Arsenal down the right. Substituted for Raheem Sterling in the second half.

FW Gabriel Jesus, 5 — Gabriel Jesus worked hard as the leader of the attack but struggled to make a meaningful impact, being replaced by Leandro Trossard in the second half.

FW Gabriel Martinelli, 5 — Fired an effort over the bar in one of the few chances Arsenal created. Martinelli also worked hard when helping Timber. Had Arsenal’s best chance of the second half but missed the target again.

Substitutes (players brought on after 70 minutes = no rating)

Leandro Trossard (On for Jesus, 58″), 6 — Trossard tried to steer Arsenal in the right direction by carrying the ball down the left flank and then playing simple passes inside.

Jorginho (Partey, 58″), 6 — Thomas Partey came into action before the hour mark and kept things moving in midfield, although he could have been more cautious with possession at times.

Raheem Sterling (Saka, 72″), N/R — A performance tonight saw him become the first player to represent four different English teams in the Champions League, creating an early chance after coming on as a substitute when he picked out Martinelli, who blasted over the bar.

Riccardo Calafiori (Wood, 72″), N/R — A positive performance from the summer signing, who adapted seamlessly to the match, performed well defensively and provided dynamism when passing the ball around in midfield.