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Arsenal bounced back from their weekend defeat to Bournemouth with a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League, courtesy of an own goal by Shakhtar goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk. Gabriel Martinelli’s 29th-minute shot hit the post, rebounded off Riznyk’s back, and rolled into the net, giving Arsenal the lead.
The Gunners dominated the opening stages, with Riccardo Calafiori missing a golden chance to open the scoring and Gabriel Jesus being denied by Riznyk soon after. Despite Arsenal’s control, Shakhtar posed a threat on the counter, with winger Eguinaldo testing the Arsenal defense.
Mikel Arteta’s side, missing key players like captain Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka due to injury, faced more fitness concerns during the match. Right-back Ben White, who was on a yellow card, did not return for the second half, and Calafiori was also withdrawn after a slip that required treatment.
Leandro Trossard had the opportunity to double Arsenal’s lead from the penalty spot late in the game, after a VAR review determined Valerii Bondar handled the ball in an unnatural position. However, Riznyk produced a fine save to deny Trossard.
Shakhtar nearly snatched a draw in stoppage time, but Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya made an excellent save from Pedrinho’s effort.
While Arsenal’s performance was far from their best, they will be pleased to return to winning ways ahead of their crucial Premier League clash against Liverpool on Sunday. However, Arteta faces a growing injury crisis, with concerns over the fitness of several key players, including Calafiori and White.
