In a pulsating Champions League encounter at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal secured a vital 1-0 victory over Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk. The win puts the Gunners in a commanding position to advance from the group stage, but it was far from straightforward for Mikel Arteta’s men.
Early Pressure Pays Off
Arsenal came flying out of the blocks, determined to make amends for their recent domestic disappointment against Bournemouth. The hosts dominated possession and created several clear-cut chances in the opening exchanges.
Their pressure finally told in the 16th minute when a wicked delivery from the lively Gabriel Martinelli cannoned off the unfortunate Dmytro Riznyk and into his own net. It was a slice of good fortune for Arsenal, but no less than their enterprising start deserved.
Shakhtar Threaten on the Break
To their credit, Shakhtar refused to buckle under the early onslaught. The Ukrainian side, spurred on by a vocal contingent of traveling supporters, began to pose questions of their own on the counterattack.
Tricky winger Eguinaldo gave Arsenal right-back Ben White a torrid time, while the intelligent movement of forward Pedro Henrique kept the Gunners’ backline on their toes. However, for all their neat approach play, Shakhtar struggled to fashion clear sights of goal.
Arsenal Spurn Chances to Kill the Game
As the second half wore on, Arsenal had several golden opportunities to put the game to bed. The lively Martinelli saw a fierce drive rebound off the post, while Kai Havertz was twice denied by last-ditch Shakhtar defending.
We created more than enough to win comfortably, but if you don’t take those chances, you can always leave the door open.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta bemoaned his side’s profligacy.
Those missed chances almost came back to haunt the Premier League leaders when Shakhtar burst into life in the closing stages. The Ukrainians came agonizingly close to an equalizer, with only a stunning fingertip save from David Raya denying Pedrinho.
Late Drama as Trossard Fluffs Lines
There was still time for one final twist in the tale. Arsenal were gifted a golden chance to seal the points when Valeriy Bondar was adjudged to have handled Mikel Merino’s cross after a lengthy VAR review.
Up stepped Leandro Trossard, but the Belgian’s tame effort down the middle was expertly kept out by the trailing leg of Riznyk. It was a moment of redemption for the Shakhtar goalkeeper, but one that ultimately proved inconsequential.
Arsenal March On Despite Nervy Finale
In the end, Arsenal held on for a precious three points that leave them well-placed to reach the knockout stages. However, Arteta will know his side must be more clinical if they are to make a deep run in this competition.
For Shakhtar, it was a valiant effort that merited more than the final scoreline suggested. The Ukrainian outfit can hold their heads high and will fancy their chances of giving Arsenal a real fright in the return fixture.
But for now, it is the Gunners who march on in Europe, their Champions League dream still very much alive despite an unconvincing display. They will need to find an extra gear in the weeks ahead, but this gritty win could yet prove a turning point in their continental campaign.
