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.
Arsenal's Recent Success and Injury Concerns
Arsenal’s captain Martin Odegaard faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after a scan showed “significant” damage to his ankle. The midfielder suffered the injury on international duty with Norway and missed Sunday’s north London derby win at Tottenham.
Boss Mikel Arteta gave a gloomy update on Odegaard’s condition ahead of Thursday night’s Champions League clash with Atalanta in Italy.
“The scan showed some damage around the ligaments in the ankle so we are going to miss him,” said Arteta.
“It’s something quite significant so we are going to lose him for a while. Hopefully not months.”
Despite the absence of Odegaard, Arsenal will be looking to build on their strong start to the season. They have won three and drawn one of their first four Premier League matches, demonstrating their resilience and attacking prowess. The team’s depth has been tested, with key midfielders like Odegaard sidelined, but they have shown they can cope with the pressure.
Atalanta's Recent Form and European Success
Atalanta have had quite the Serie A story, rising from relative obscurity to becoming one of the league’s most intriguing sides.
Giasperini was appointed in June 2016 and the club’s fortunes immediately changed as the Italian, alongside players such as Papu Gomez, Josep Ilicic and a youngAlessandro Bastoni, led them to 4th place in Serie A.
Giasperini has kept the club in the right half of the league table ever since, finishing seventh and eighth on one occasion each but finishing third three seasons in a row between 2019 and 2021. In addition, Atalanta have been runners-up in the Coppa Italia three times during his tenure.
Despite becoming something of a Champions League regular in recent seasons, Atalanta’s crowning glory came last season, with a win in the Europa League final giving them just their second ever major trophy (after a Coppa Italia in 1962/63).
A Look at the Key Players
Atalanta
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Ederson: A crucial figure in midfield, Ederson provides control and creativity for Atalanta. He is known for his sharp passing and ability to dictate the tempo of the game.
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Ademola Lookman: Lookman brings pace and directness to the Atalanta attack. He can be a threat both in wide areas and in central positions, and he is capable of scoring spectacular goals.
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Charles De Ketelaere: A talented attacking midfielder who can play in various attacking positions. He has the potential to unlock defenses with his vision and ball control.
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Mateo Retegui: A powerful striker who provides a physical presence in the attacking line. He is a clinical finisher and poses a threat in the air.
Arsenal
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Bukayo Saka: One of the most exciting young talents in European football, Saka is a dynamic winger who combines speed, skill, and creativity. He is Arsenal’s main attacking threat, and he can also score goals from a distance.
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Gabriel Jesus: Jesus is a versatile attacker who can play both as a central striker and as a winger. He is known for his hard-working nature, his clinical finishing, and his ability to link up with his teammates.
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Declan Rice: Rice has been a key signing for Arsenal this season. He is a dominant midfield presence, who can control the game both defensively and offensively. He is an excellent passer, a strong tackler, and a real leader on the pitch.
Key Facts and Statistics
Arsenal will be the fifth English side that Atalanta have met in major European competition, after Everton (W2), Man City (D1 L1), Liverpool (W2 L2) and Man Utd (D1 L1). The Bergamo-based side beat Liverpool over two legs last season in the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
Atalanta’s last four UEFA Champions League games – which came in the 2021/22 group stage – have seen both them and their opponents score two or more goals (D2 L2). In the entire history of the European Cup, no side has ever both scored and conceded two-plus goals in five consecutive matches.
The Battle for European Glory
In some of the difficult early seasons in north London, and even when things started to pick up and there was interest elsewhere, there was a particular motivation that drove Mikel Arteta. That was to become the first manager to win the Champions League for Arsenal. While returning the Premier League trophy to the club has obviously been just as high, Europe’s greatest prize was repeatedly mentioned. There would obviously be something unique, and euphoric, about achieving that. You only had to see the glee on his face when Arsenal finally got back into the Champions League again last season. It was visible once more on Wednesday night, as he spoke about preparing for the Atalanta game and the heightened stage.
This is where the club belongs.
It is by now a well-worn discussion to ponder whether Arsenal are the biggest club to never win the Champions League, especially since it’s probably true. It also remains remarkable that London clubs as a whole only have two, both through Chelsea’s victories under Roman Abramovich in 2012 and 2021, respectively.
Arsenal’s journey in the Champions League is just beginning, and this match against Atalanta is a crucial test of their strength and ambition. Will they overcome this tricky challenge and set the stage for a successful campaign? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Arsenal will be looking to make a statement.
A European Night to Remember
The match kicks off at 8pm BST on Thursday 19 September at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo. You can watch the game live on TNT Sports 1.
Arsenal’s European adventure is about to begin. Will they make their mark on the world stage? Tune in to find out.
