Rio Ferdinand blown away by Arsenal’s performance at Atalanta

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand praised Arsenal following their goalless draw against Atalanta in the Champions League on Thursday night.

The Gunners had a good start to the game but struggled to sustain the momentum after the break

Gabriel Martinelli was guilty of squandering two good chances to score. David Raya helped Arsenal pick up a point with an outstanding double penalty save.

Ferdinand told TNT Sports (via BBC Sport): “Arsenal are resolute now. They are a team that are hard to play against, home or away, and that is not what you want as an opposition player.

“They are a team that other teams are looking at and thinking, ‘I’d rather give that one a miss’.”

Arsenal have kept four clean sheets in their first five games of the season. They only conceded against Brighton & Hove Albion after Declan Rice’s red card.

The Gunners have become defensively stronger compared to the previous campaign, while Raya has also been world-class in goal with some extraordinary saves.

However, they have not been at their clinical best in front of goal. The club have netted just six times, and there is plenty of room for improvement in that department.

Arsenal have been guilty of squandering some clear-cut chances. The Gunners will be in Premier League action against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.