Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal – player ratings

A disappointing night for Arsenal

Arsenal were held to a 0-0 draw by Atalanta in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday night. The Gunners were second best for much of the game and failed to create many clear-cut chances. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had Arsenal’s best chance of the game but he blazed his effort over the bar from close range. Atalanta had the better chances in the second half but they were unable to find a way past Bernd Leno in the Arsenal goal. The draw leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg at the Emirates next week.

Player ratings

Bernd Leno – 7/10 – Made a number of good saves to keep Arsenal in the game.

Hector Bellerin – 5/10 – Struggled to contain Atalanta’s wing-backs.

David Luiz – 6/10 – Made a number of important blocks and clearances.

Gabriel Magalhaes – 6/10 – A solid performance from the young Brazilian.

Granit Xhaka – 5/10 – Was overrun in midfield at times.

Thomas Partey – 6/10 – Was Arsenal’s best player in midfield.

Bukayo Saka – 6/10 – Was a threat down the left-hand side but was also caught out defensively on a few occasions.

Martin Odegaard – 5/10 – Was quiet for much of the game.

Emile Smith Rowe – 6/10 – Was Arsenal’s most creative player but was unable to find a way through Atalanta’s defense.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 5/10 – Had Arsenal’s best chance of the game but missed from close range.

Alexandre Lacazette – 5/10 – Was largely ineffective.

Substitutes

Willian – 5/10 – Was unable to make an impact.

Nicolas Pepe – 5/10 – Was lively but wasteful in possession.

Gabriel Martinelli – N/A – Came on too late to make an impact.

Conclusion

It was a disappointing night for Arsenal who were second best for much of the game. The Gunners failed to create many clear-cut chances and were fortunate to come away with a draw. Arsenal will need to be much better in the second leg if they want to progress to the semi-finals.