Partey was Arsenal’s worst player vs Atalanta, could be dropped vs Man City

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 after the break, with just two shots attempted for the remainder of the game. Atalanta were by far the better 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 the opposite way to save the rebound. Raya has been in sensational form this term.

Partey was substituted soon after the penalty incident, and it will be interesting to see whether he is in 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 replaced him with Jorginho before the hour mark yesterday.

Partey won just two out of five ground and aerial duels. He completed only 79 percent of his passes and 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.

Stats from Sofascore.com.