Arsenal drew 0-0 away at Atalanta in the Champions League and 2-2 with Manchester City at the Etihad in the Premier League. The Gunners remain unbeaten this season and fourth in the Premier League. These results and last week’s 1-0 win against Tottenham means Arsenal are two points behind Manchester City. Without further ado, let’s discuss these two draws in our Arsenal 24-25 part 4 article.

Arsenal 24-25 Part 4: Raya Stepped Up Big-Time for Arsenal’s Defense Once Again

Arsenal’s defending could have been better in both matches. Atalanta only managed two shots on target. However, the Serie A side did have a chance to potentially beat Arsenal because Thomas Partey gave away a penalty. Thankfully, David Raya made an incredible double save to deny Atalanta and preserve Arsenal’s draw in that game. Raya is clearly the Man of the Match against Atalanta.

David Raya was busy again in the game against Manchester City, dealing with 11 shots on target. Raya made several good saves and was largely not at fault for either of City’s goals. Gabriel Magalhaes should have marked Haaland far better to prevent City’s first goal. However, Gabriel did score an excellent header late in the first half that could have ended up being a match-winning goal. Arsenal’s defense should have cleared the ball from the box to stop John Stones from scoring a late City equalizer in stoppage time.

Gabriel played much better against Atalanta, however. William Saliba played fairly well in both games. The center-back duo remains one of the best in the Premier League and Manchester City likely would have beaten 10-man Arsenal if the defense was weaker.

Riccardo Calafiori deserves a special mention. Calafiori scored a brilliant equalizer in the first half against Manchester City and played well overall. It is great to see Calafiori score his first goal for Arsenal. Calafiori will be a key player for the Gunners this season and moving forward.

Arsenal 24-25 Part 4: Arsenal’s Midfield Was Somewhat Disappointing in Both Matches

The Gunners lost the possession battle against both Atalanta and Manchester City. Thomas Partey made good passes against Atalanta, but struggled out of possession. Partey gave away a needless penalty against Atalanta, a mistake that nearly led to Arsenal’s first loss of the season. However, Partey performed far better against Manchester City. Partey helped stem the Manchester City tide after Trossard was sent off.

It is important to mention Declan Rice’s return in the game against Manchester City. Rice played fairly well, but Rodri won that midfield battle. Rice will significantly improve Arsenal’s midfield moving forward. Declan Rice contributed to the Gunners holding off Manchester City in the second half and securing a draw.

Jorginho played fairly well against Atalanta. He was quite good in possession, as usual. However, it is clear that Atalanta’s energetic midfielders made it difficult for Jorginho to keep up. Regardless, Jorginho remains a useful midfield option for Arsenal.

The Gunners struggled to create chances against Atalanta. The team clearly misses Odegaard. Other midfielders, such as Nwaneri, will have to step up and contribute to Arsenal’s attack in his absence.

Arsenal’s Attack Struggled Against Atalanta But Performed Better Against Manchester City

Arsenal failed to score against Atalanta and struggled offensively overall in that game. However, Gabriel Martinelli was lively and seemed dangerous. This is a bit surprising, given that Atalanta aren’t known to be a top-notch defensive side.

Despite this, the Gunners performed much better in attack against Manchester City. Martinelli provided the assist for Calafiori’s excellent equalizer and caused Manchester City problems down their left flank. Additionally, Martinelli helped Calafiori stave off City’s attacks after Arsenal went down to 10 men. Trossard’s red card was ridiculous but thankfully, Arsenal have other players who can play in his position.

Saka was quiet against Manchester City overall, but still provided the assist for Gabriel’s goal. It is great to see Saka already have four assists this season. Thankfully, Saka should be able to rest prior to Arsenal’s next Premier League game. Havertz also worked hard against Manchester City and helped the Gunners hold off their attacks.

Manager Ratings: 7/10 Against Atalanta and 9/10 Against Man City

Arsenal struggled against Atalanta and nearly lost that game. Raya’s double save rescued a point for the Gunners. Arteta receives a 7/10 rating for that game.

However, Arsenal played far better against Manchester City and likely would have won if not for Trossard’s red card. The Gunners deserve massive credit for defending resolutely after going down to 10 men. Arteta receives a well-deserved 9/10 manager rating for this game, since Arsenal were more than prepared both offensively and defensively.

Arsenal Faces Bolton Wanderers in the League Cup Next

Thankfully, Arsenal’s schedule gets easier now after an extremely challenging start. The Gunners host League One team Bolton Wanderers in the League Cup next. This should be a comfortable win, even for Arsenal’s B team.

Check back next week for more Arsenal content.