Jorginho has issued a rallying cry to his Arsenal teammates, urging them to use their Champions League opener against Atalanta on Thursday as a springboard to success in their crucial clash with Manchester City this weekend. Mikel Arteta’s squad is navigating a demanding week, beginning with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tottenham in the North London derby last Sunday. Now, the Gunners travel to Italy to kick off their European campaign before facing the reigning Premier League champions, Manchester City, on Sunday.
Atalanta presents an intriguing first hurdle for Arsenal, having defied expectations by winning the Europa League last season. Gian Piero Gasperini’s team, however, is looking to bounce back from consecutive Serie A defeats against Torino and Inter Milan. Their recent 3-2 win against Fiorentina on Sunday suggests they are ready to put up a fight against the Gunners.
The match will be officiated by Clement Turpin, a seasoned referee who has presided over 48 Champions League matches since the 2014-15 season, including the 2021-22 final between Real Madrid and Liverpool. His compatriot, Jerome Brisard, will oversee the VAR duties, while Stephanie Frappart will act as the fourth official.
As Arsenal prepares for a week of intense competition, all eyes are on how they will navigate these two crucial encounters. The match against Atalanta presents a unique opportunity for the Gunners to build momentum and confidence ahead of their showdown with Manchester City. The results of these two matches could have significant implications for the rest of their season.
