Arsenal bounced back from defeat vs AFC Bournemouth with a 1-0 win over Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk, however that doesn’t tell the full story.
Two changes were made by Mikel Arteta from the side that were beaten on the South Coast. With Mikel Merino and Raheem Sterling making way for Brazilian duo Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli, with Leandro Trossard leading the line upfront and the two Gabriel’s either side on the flanks.
Like many early European group phase games, the contest started out in a low-key fashion, however Arsenal dominated much of the possession and most of the play took place in the Shakhtar half. Riccardo Calafiori had the best chance for the home side in the opening 25 minutes, when a loose ball fell inside the box following a Trossard corner, however the Italian couldn’t keep his effort down and the score remained 0-0.
That was until just a few minutes later, as Martinelli – in need of a confidence boost following his bad miss at the weekend – cut inside dangerously with the ball in the Shakhtar penalty area, and the winger’s near post-aimed effort deflected off the post and onto the back of the leg of the Shakhtar goalkeeper and into the net. A fortunate goal, but a much needed one for Mikel Arteta’s side half an hour into the first half.
A big chance would also fall for Jesus in the final minutes of the first period. The forward did well to win the ball back on the edge of the penalty area and linked up with Kai Havertz but struck his shot straight at the goalkeeper. Perhaps an opportunity that would’ve been taken if Jesus was on more confidence than he is during what is a dry spell in front of goal for the Brazilian.
During the break, Arsenal were forced into a substitution, with Ben White – who had been booked in the first half – being replaced by Mikel Merino with Thomas Partey moving to right-back. The Ghanaian’s switch from midfield affected Arsenal’s control and Shakhtar began seeing more of the ball. And there were more concerns to be had when Riccardo Calafiori was forced off midway through the second half with a a suspected knee injury, with youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly replacing him.
However, on the 77th minute the Gunners would be rewarded with the perfect chance to kill off the game with a second goal, as a penalty was awarded following a handball in the area. Trossard stepped up to take it for Arsenal, but saw his effort saved with the feet of the opposing goalkeeper who kept the score at 1-0 going into the final stages.
Shakhtar would have their first and only shot on target during the six added minutes, which David Raya was equal too. And the referee soon brought a poor game of football to a close. Despite a performance far from hugely convincing, Mikel Arteta will be pleased with the win and clean sheet.
Arsenal’s next match is a big one, as current league leaders Liverpool head to N5 in what is a huge battle in the early race for the title.