Arsenal fans all say same thing about Mikel Arteta after Atalanta draw, he’s made a big mistake

Arsenal had to settle for a point against Atalanta after a goalless draw in Bergamo.

It was always going to be a tough game against Gian Piero Gasperini’s side. The likes of Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen were both humiliated by the 66-year-old Italian coach just last season.

Mikel Arteta came in with a game plan, and defensively, it worked. Apart from the penalty that David Raya unbelievably saved, Atalanta just couldn’t cause Arsenal any problems.

That is a big positive, but the huge issue that everyone noticed in Bergamo on Thursday night was how much Arsenal missed Martin Odegaard.

The North Londoners had no creativity in attack whatsoever, and it just seemed like one of those games where Arteta’s men wouldn’t have scored even if they played for another 90 minutes.

Arsenal fans think one of Arteta’s summer transfer decisions is to blame for what happened against Atalanta in their Champions League opener.

Arsenal fans slam Mikel Arteta’s summer transfer decision after Atalanta draw

Arsenal made the bold decision of selling Emile Smith Rowe and loaning out Fabio Vieira in the summer. That left them with no experienced alternative for Odegaard.

After watching the draw against Atalanta, Arsenal fans think Arteta doesn’t trust Ethan Nwaneri either – the teenager was an unused substitute.

Gooners are now having a go at Arteta’s decision to sell Smith Rowe and not replace him in the summer transfer window. Many feel that’s the reason why they couldn’t beat Atalanta.

One Arsenal fan tweeted: “Why Arteta sold Smith Rowe and Vieira, I just don’t understand him.”

Another wrote: “Why did Arteta and Edu sell Smith Rowe when they knew Odegaard had no backup? I hate this. We are only playing with the defence.”

“That’s what we get when Arteta and Edu sold Smith Rowe and loaned out Vieira, without a proper replacement,” said another.

Another Gooner tweeted: “I honestly don’t know how coaches think. Why did Arteta not replace Smith Rowe/Vieira? Now no Odegaard and we look dead.”

“Arteta has to do a lot of tweaking with Odegaard out. Smith Rowe shipped off to Fulham and Vieira returned to Porto on loan. Where will Arsenal’s creativity come from in the coming weeks?”

Mikel Arteta should start Arsenal’s new Emile Smith Rowe

Odegaard’s injury is a massive blow for Arsenal.

Almost all the good things the Gunners usually do in attack used to go through him. In his absence, Arsenal have looked a bit confused in the final third in their last two games.

Kai Havertz can play in midfield, but he is not a creative outlet like Odegaard is, while although Leandro Trossard can create chances, his best position is higher up the pitch.

Smith Rowe would’ve been a great option right now, but the Englishman is at Fulham and is already a star there.

Arteta needs to find a solution, and we think he should start Arsenal’s new Smith Rowe – Ethan Nwaneri.

The teenager is the closest player Arsenal have to Odegaard with respect to creativity, and although his age and lack of experience are a concern, he is Arteta’s best bet to create chances in the final third.

It will be interesting to see if Nwaneri will get an opportunity against Manchester City on Sunday.