Arsenal managed to secure a scrappy 1-0 victory against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday, thanks to an own goal from Shakhtar goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk. The win, while far from convincing, helped Arsenal bounce back from their first domestic defeat of the season and take another crucial step toward progressing in the Champions League.
A Stroke of Luck for Arsenal
Arsenal came into this game with high expectations following a disappointing 2-0 loss to Bournemouth in the Premier League over the weekend. However, their performance against Shakhtar was hardly a display of dominance. The Gunners started brightly, with Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus creating early chances, but it was a stroke of luck that broke the deadlock in the 29th minute.
- Martinelli’s low shot rebounded off the post
- The ball then ricocheted off Riznyk’s back and into the net
- Arsenal took the lead in a fortuitous manner
This fortunate goal gave the home side an advantage they would cling to for the rest of the match. Despite the early pressure, Arsenal struggled to maintain a high tempo and were wasteful in front of goal, especially as they failed to convert multiple clear chances.
Missed Chances and Penalty Woes
Arsenal had several opportunities to extend their lead, but their inefficiency in front of goal became a worrying theme throughout the game. Kai Havertz came close to doubling the advantage before the break, only for Shakhtar captain Mykola Matviyenko to make a goal-line clearance that denied the German midfielder.
Leandro Trossard’s missed penalty in the second half further highlighted Arsenal’s inability to put the game to bed. The penalty was awarded following a VAR review of a handball in the box, but Trossard’s weak effort was comfortably saved by Riznyk, keeping the game alive for the visitors.
These missed opportunities put Arsenal under unnecessary pressure as Shakhtar grew into the match and began to test Arsenal’s defense more frequently.
Shakhtar’s Late Push for an Equalizer
As the match progressed, Shakhtar Donetsk started to show more ambition, creating nervy moments for Arsenal in the closing stages. One of their best chances came in stoppage time when substitute Pedrinho fired a long-range effort toward the top corner. Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya was called into action, making a superb save to deny the Ukrainian side a late equalizer.
Despite their increasing pressure, Shakhtar lacked the cutting edge to find the back of the net. The visitors’ inability to convert their chances meant Arsenal could hold on to their narrow lead and secure a valuable three points, lifting them into the provisional top four of the Champions League’s new league phase.
Arsenal’s Injury Concerns Continue
Arsenal’s lackluster performance could partly be attributed to the absence of key playmakers. Both Bukayo Saka and captain Martin Odegaard missed the game due to injuries, and their creativity and vision were sorely missed. Without them, Arsenal struggled to find their usual attacking rhythm, and their performance was far from the fluid football that fans have come to expect.
The injury concerns continued to mount as defender Ben White was substituted at halftime, raising questions about his fitness ahead of the club’s upcoming fixtures. Later in the match, Riccardo Calafiori, who has been a crucial addition to Arsenal’s backline, also had to be replaced after landing awkwardly following a challenge.
With tough matches on the horizon, including a crucial Champions League clash against Inter Milan, Arsenal’s growing injury list could be a cause for concern.
Table Position and Next Fixtures
Arsenal’s win takes them into the top four of the 36-team Champions League league phase. However, with tougher opponents to face and injuries mounting, their path to the knockout stages remains uncertain. They will need to find their form quickly, especially with an away trip to Inter Milan looming in their next European fixture.
Shakhtar Donetsk, on the other hand, will look to bounce back in their next match at home against Swiss side Young Boys. Having failed to register a win so far in the competition, the Ukrainian side will be desperate to claim their first victory.