Super Raya rescues point for Arsenal with stunning two-part penalty save

Mikel Arteta had promised that this week would be the acid test of how much Arsenal have improved this season and, on the evidence of this scrappy performance, they still have plenty to work on.

- Ed Aarons

But after overcoming the first hurdle against Tottenham on Sunday, it needed a miraculous double save from David Raya to rescue them from defeat in the opening match of their Champions League campaign after a disjointed display that only underlined just how much they are missing captain Martin Ødegaard.

On reflection, the Arsenal manager will be delighted to return to London with a point having seen his side outplayed at times by Atalanta, although it could have been even better had Gabriel Martinelli not wasted a glorious opportunity 10 minutes from full time to snatch the victory. Arteta had insisted before kick-off that Sunday's meeting with Manchester City had no bearing on his team selection. But the continued absence of Ødegaard meant he selected Gabriel Jesus to lead the line after his return from a groin injury, while Kai Havertz was asked to provide the creative spark in support of the Brazil striker.