Arsenal might have secured back-to-back wins in the Champions League, but their 1-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk was anything but convincing. The Gunners labored throughout the contest, and despite dominating possession, they were far from their best at the Emirates.
Once again, Mikel Arteta’s side was without Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber, both missing from the matchday squad. Gabriel Jesus captained the team in a night that saw Arsenal create few clear-cut opportunities. Shakhtar, who were well-organized defensively, made life difficult for Arsenal’s attackers, and they almost took an early lead when Riccardo Calafiori failed to capitalize on a rebound from a Leandro Trossard corner, blazing over from close range.
Arsenal dominated possession but struggled to break down Shakhtar’s defensive lines, with much of the Gunners’ build-up play lacking urgency. The Brazilian duo of Pedrinho and Eguinaldo caused problems on the left, testing Ben White, who had his hands full all evening.
Despite a lack of cutting edge, Arsenal found the breakthrough in the 34th minute—albeit in a fortunate manner. Gabriel Martinelli’s strike cannoned off the post and ricocheted off goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk into the net, handing the Gunners a narrow lead. Arsenal could have doubled their advantage before halftime, but a combination of a Mykola Matviyenko clearance and a fine save from Riznyk to deny Jesus kept Shakhtar in the game.
The second half saw Arsenal briefly improve, but they soon reverted to a more passive approach, allowing Shakhtar to grow in confidence. However, the visitors failed to capitalize on the opportunities presented to them by the Gunners in transition.
Arsenal were then gifted a chance to kill the game after VAR awarded a penalty for handball against Valeriy Bondar, but Trossard saw his effort saved by the impressive Riznyk. As the game neared its conclusion, Shakhtar piled on the pressure, testing David Raya on several occasions. The Spanish goalkeeper, however, stood firm, ensuring Arsenal’s narrow and nervy victory.
While the result keeps Arsenal’s Champions League hopes alive, the performance was far from what Arteta would have wanted, especially with a crucial Premier League clash against Liverpool on the horizon. The Gunners will need to significantly improve if they are to stand a chance against Arne slots high-flying Reds.
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