Mikel Arteta's side had to call on David Raya to pull off a fine double save from Mateo Retegui as they were forced to defend for large periods without the ball.
They struggled to create chances at the other end of the pitch in the absence of captain Martin Odegaard, as the Europa League winners got the better of the Premier League title chasers for large parts of the game.
Still, it was a point on the board for Arsenal in the new league phase, with Manchester City up next in a crunch Premier League tie.
Mail Sport's JOE BERNSTEIN rates the players from Italy.
Arsenal started the new Champions League campaign off with a 0-0 draw against Atalanta
Arsenal started the new Champions League campaign off with a 0-0 draw against Atalanta
David Raya saved a second half penalty in what was a sensational double save for his side
David Raya saved a second half penalty in what was a sensational double save for his side
After getting down to stop the spot kick, the Spaniard rose again to keep out the follow up
After getting down to stop the spot kick, the Spaniard rose again to keep out the follow up
Arsenal (4-3-3)
David Raya earns Arsenal a point at Atalanta… not that they deserved much, writes ISAAN KHAN
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DAVID RAYA - 8
Could have played with slippers on before an incredible penalty save, denying Retegui and then diving to save the rebound.
BEN WHITE - 6.5
Sacrificed some of his attacking instincts to keep Arsenal compact and secure a valuable point on the road.
WILLIAM SALIBA - 7
Showed why he is rivalling Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk as the best central defender in the Premier League.
GABRIEL - 6.5
Bothered by some of the sharp movement from Retegui and De Ketelaere but gave Raya excellent protection.
William Salbia (right) showed why he could be the best cenree back in the Premier League, while Jurrien Timber (left) has made Arsenal even more solid
William Salbia (right) showed why he could be the best cenree back in the Premier League, while Jurrien Timber (left) has made Arsenal even more solid
Declan Rice (left) will be pleased with his contribution ahead of Sunday's crunch game against Manchester City
Declan Rice (left) will be pleased with his contribution ahead of Sunday's crunch game against Manchester City
JURRIEN TIMBER - 6.5
David Raya makes incredible double save from Atalanta penalty as Arsenal keeper keeps scores level
Had Arteta in his ear down the left in the first half. Has made Arsenal even more solid since returning from injury.
DECLAN RICE - 7
Rice will be pleased with his contribution at both ends as he warmed up for Sunday's battle with Manchester City's Rodri.
THOMAS PARTEY - 5.5
Strong as an ox but conceded a penalty after being outrun by Ederson. The Ghanaian was substituted shortly after.
KAI HAVERTZ - 7
Nominally Martin Odegaard's midfield replacement, the German also pushed forward to support Jesus.
BUKAYO SAKA - 6
Forced a fantastic save from Carnesecchi early on but found an organised Italian defence tough to crack.
Bukayo Saka forced a fantastic save early on but found the Italian defence tough to crack
GABRIEL JESUS - 6
Arsenal centre backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are Europe's best duo, Rio Ferdinand says
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Given the captain's armband, he started with a Cruyff turn but wasn't quick enough to nab the rebound from Saka's shot.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI - 5.5
His pace made him a good out-ball but he lacked composure. Fluffed his lines when set up by Sterling in the closing stages.
SUBSTITUTES
Jorginho 6 (for Partey 58)
Trossard 5.5 (for Jesus 58)
Sterling 6 (for Saka 73)
Calafiori 6 (for Timber 73)
Manager: Mikel Arteta - 7
One of the tougher fixtures so did well to organise defence.
Mikel Arteta did well to organise his side's defence in what was one of the tougher fixtures
Atalanta (3-4-3)
MARCO CARNESECCHI - 7
Got down low to his left to keep out Saka's free-kick with his fingertips. An important save to stop his side conceding early.
BERAT DJIMSITI - 6The Albania captain, 31, was helped out by extra support from Zappacosta in stifling the livewire Martinelli.
ISAK HIEN - 7
Did his job efficiently in the middle of Atalanta's back three without being flashy. Kept Jesus relatively quiet.
SEAD KOLASINAC - 7
Big night for the defender, who spent five years at Arsenal, and handled it well. Tigerish against Saka and safe in possession.
Defender Saed Kolasinac (right), who spent five years at Arsenal, handled his big night well
DAVIDE ZAPPACOSTA - 6.5
Used his defensive qualities to give Martinelli an extra body to deal with. Still got energy to go with his knowhow at 32.
EDERSON - 6.5
Put himself in danger with an early booking for a tug on Saka but won his side the penalty early in the second half.
MARTEN DE ROON - 6
The Dutch midfielder has come on a long way since he played for Middlesbrough. Kept the ball, but without penetration.
MATTEO RUGGERI - 6.5
Caused danger with crosses from the left but found Arsenal too physical when he tried to break forward with the ball.
CHARLES DE KETELAERE - 6.5
Showed good movement and had Raya scrambling with a dig from outside the box that wasn't far away.
ADEMOLA LOOKMAN - 6.5
The Londoner started well against one of his home-town clubs. The volume increased when he got on the ball.
MATEO RETEGUI - 6
Four goals in his last four Serie A games but couldn't beat Raya from the penalty spot. His quick backheel set up De Ketelaere.
Ademola Lookman (left) started well against one of his hometown clubs, proving a useful asset in attack
Ademola Lookman (left) started well against one of his hometown clubs, proving a useful asset in attack
SUBSTITUTES
Cuadrado 7 (for De K'laere 60)
Bellanova 6 (for Zappacosta 70)
Zaniolo 6 (for Retegui 70)
Samardzic (for Lookman 89)
Pasalic (for Ruggeri 89)
Manager: Gian Piero Gasperini - 6.5
Good move to send Cuadrado on but little punch until then.
Referee: Clement Turpin (France) - 6
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