Arsenal kick off their Champions League campaign with a clash against Serie A side, and last season’s Europa League winners, Atalanta away from home.
It’s a tricky start to the newly revamped competition for Mikel Arteta’s men but they will be confident about securing all three points despite a growing injury list. Arsenal have started the season with three wins and a draw from their first four Premier League matches and are in good touch ahead of this European outing.
In comparison, Atalanta have made an mixed start to their own domestic campaign. Two wins and two defeats perhaps points to a lack of consistency but they are difficult opponents to overcome. The Italians beat Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final to end the Germans’ unbeaten run for the campaign and win their first trophy since the 2011 Serie B title.
Arteta is hoping to add to Arsenal’s trophy cabinet this season and has eyes on the biggest European prize but to do so the Gunners will need to set down a marker tonight.
Follow all the action from the Champions League with our live blog below:
Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
Arsenal’s attack is far more patient than the home side’s, and Ederson pulls Saka back to concede a cheap free-kick near the area. He’s booked too.
Saka steps up to take the free-kick, and he drills it low towards the opposite corner, forcing a good save from Carnesecchi.
Chris Wilson19 September 2024 20:15
Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
Atalanta have settled a little now, though they are still struggling to get any meaningful possession, with Arsenal happy to let them keep the ball in their half.
Retegui lays it off to Lookman, who spreads it wide to De Ketelaere, but the cross in is over the head of the ex-Everton winger.
Chris Wilson19 September 2024 20:12
Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
A solid start overall from Arsenal, who are so far untroubled as they keep the ball in their half. Nothing clear-cut in attack yet though.
Chris Wilson19 September 2024 20:09
Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
Havertz intercepts midway into the Italian half and drives towards the box, but he can’t get a shot on target.
Chris Wilson19 September 2024 20:07
Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
Rice’s corner is punched away but Arsenal come again, before Martinelli’s ball goes out of play.
Chris Wilson19 September 2024 20:06
Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
A cagey first few minutes ends with the first attack of the match, as Saka’s deflected shot goes out for a corner.
Chris Wilson19 September 2024 20:05
KICK-OFF: Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
The away side get us underway in Bergamo.
Chris Wilson19 September 2024 20:01
Atalanta v Arsenal LIVE
Both sides are emerging from the tunnel at the Gewiss Stadium, and we are moments away from hearing the new version of that famous anthem.
Chris Wilson19 September 2024 19:57
Mikel Arteta explains starting Gabriel Jesus over Leandro Trossard
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, speaking to TNT Sport, starting with his selection and opting for Jesus over Trossard:
“They always make me doubt but Gabi has been training really good – great experience and journey int he Champions League. We believe he is the right player to start.”
On whether Sunday’s trip to Man City played a part in his thinking:
“The full focus is on today. We have a tough match against a great opponent. We have to do our job and then we will focus on City.”
“It’s great atmosphere, a special ground. The way they play as well it’s with great personality and the coach has done something special here.
“They dominate a lot of aspects of the game – they play in a particular way as well, particularly the man-oriented style. The game becomes a battle and we have to be ready for that..”
Jamie Braidwood19 September 2024 19:53
Arsenal looking to make fast start
Arteta’s side have won their opening match in each of their last six major European campaigns (five in the Europa League and then last season’s Champions League). The last side to beat the Gunners in their first game was Dinamo Zagreb in the 2015/16 Champions League.
Jamie Braidwood19 September 2024 19:44
