Arsenal managed a narrow 1-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk at the Emirates Stadium, but it was far from a comfortable evening for Mikel Arteta’s side. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, the Gunners relied on an own goal from goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk to secure the win, with several missed opportunities raising concerns about their attacking sharpness.
The match also carried a tinge of frustration, as Arteta’s squad was hit by another injury blow with Riccardo Calafiori limping off in the second half. With a crucial Premier League encounter against Liverpool just days away, Arsenal will hope their mounting injury list doesn’t derail their momentum.
First Half: Arsenal Miss Opportunities but Take the Lead
From the outset, Arsenal imposed themselves on the game, controlling possession and pressing high. Gabriel Martinelli was bright on the left flank, testing the Shakhtar defense with his movement and link-up play. Just before the half-hour mark, Martinelli almost opened the scoring, but his shot hit the post and deflected off Riznyk, resulting in an own goal.
Despite the early breakthrough, Arsenal struggled to add to their tally. Riccardo Calafiori missed a glorious chance from close range, failing to convert after a well-worked move. Gabriel Jesus, playing on the right wing, also had a golden opportunity just before halftime but dragged his shot wide, visibly frustrated by the miss.
At the back, Arsenal’s defense had a quiet first half. David Raya, preferred again over Aaron Ramsdale, was largely untroubled, while the central defensive pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães dealt comfortably with Shakhtar’s sporadic counterattacks. Thomas Partey dominated the midfield, showing glimpses of his best form, and Declan Rice added drive with his passing and forward runs.
Second Half: Arsenal Wasteful but Hold On
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Arsenal dominating but failing to put the game to bed. Leandro Trossard had one of the game’s best opportunities when he stepped up to take a penalty, only to see his weak attempt saved by Riznyk. Trossard’s performance was mixed; he was energetic and created openings with his pressing, but his poor finishing summed up Arsenal’s struggles in front of goal.
Kai Havertz, who has been under scrutiny for his form, worked hard throughout the match but was unable to make a decisive impact. Havertz’s inability to find the net at home continues to be a concern, and some questioned why he wasn’t chosen to take the penalty instead of Trossard.
Mikel Arteta made changes in the second half, bringing on Mikel Merino to replace Ben White, who didn’t seem fully fit and was already on a yellow card. Merino slotted in comfortably but offered little going forward. Raheem Sterling also entered the fray, though he struggled to make an impression in the limited time he had.
The final minutes were nervy for Arsenal as Shakhtar pushed forward in search of an equalizer. Raya had to be alert to deny Pedrinho with a crucial save, ensuring the Gunners held on to their slim lead.
Key Performances and Tactical Observations
Thomas Partey’s performance in midfield was one of the standout positives for Arsenal. His ability to break up play and drive forward with the ball gave the team control for large parts of the match. Moving Partey to right-back in the second half was a tactical adjustment that allowed Arteta to maintain stability at the back after White’s substitution.
Declan Rice also had a solid outing, showcasing his range of passing and composure. While he had a couple of attempts on goal, his shots lacked precision. Rice’s influence continues to grow, and his partnership with Partey offers Arsenal a solid foundation in midfield.
Gabriel Martinelli was Arsenal’s most dangerous player in attack. Although he didn’t get on the scoresheet, his direct running and quick interplay caused problems for Shakhtar. The Brazilian was unlucky not to be credited with the goal, as Riznyk’s own goal denied him the recognition his performance deserved.
Gabriel Jesus had a mixed night. His work rate was commendable, and he got involved in several promising moves on the right wing, but his finishing left much to be desired. Jesus will know he should have scored before halftime, and that miss seemed to weigh heavily on him for the rest of the match.
Trossard’s performance will be remembered for the missed penalty, but he was lively throughout the game. His pressing and movement created space for his teammates, though his inability to convert key chances highlighted Arsenal’s lack of ruthlessness in front of goal.
The injury to Riccardo Calafiori will be a concern for Arteta. The Italian left-back, who had impressed with his overlapping runs and defensive contributions, appeared to twist his knee awkwardly, forcing him to leave the field. With Liverpool up next, Arsenal will hope the injury isn’t serious.
Arteta’s Choices Under Scrutiny
Arteta’s decision-making during the match raised some questions. Opting to bring on Merino instead of youngster Ethan Nwaneri was a cautious move, but it left some fans wondering if Arsenal missed an opportunity to inject more creativity into the midfield. Nwaneri’s inclusion might have offered a spark in the final third, something Arsenal lacked as the game wore on.
The decision to allow Trossard to take the penalty, despite Havertz being on the pitch, also drew criticism. Havertz has experience in such situations, and given his struggles in front of goal this season, a successful penalty could have boosted his confidence.
Arteta’s team selection was influenced by injuries, with several first-choice players unavailable. The manager will be pleased with the three points, but he will be concerned about the team’s wastefulness and the potential impact of Calafiori’s injury ahead of the Liverpool clash.
What’s Next for Arsenal?
Arsenal’s narrow win keeps them in a strong position in their Champions League group, with seven points from three matches. However, the performance against Shakhtar highlighted some issues that need addressing, particularly in attack. The Gunners cannot afford to be as wasteful against Liverpool, who will present a far sterner test at the weekend.
With the Premier League title race heating up, every point is crucial, and Arteta will need to carefully manage his squad to navigate the busy fixture schedule. The growing injury list is a concern, and the manager will hope to have some of his key players back soon.
The victory over Shakhtar was not pretty, but it was effective. Arsenal showed resilience to see out the win despite not being at their best. In the Champions League, grinding out results is sometimes just as important as producing dominant performances. However, if Arsenal are to progress deep into the competition, they will need to find a sharper edge in front of goal.
As they turn their attention to the Liverpool match, Arteta and his staff will be working to ensure the team is fully prepared. The encounter promises to be a fascinating battle between two of the Premier League’s top sides, and Arsenal will need to be at their best to come out on top.
For now, Arsenal can take pride in their hard-fought win against Shakhtar. It may not have been the most inspiring performance, but it was enough to get the job done. In football, especially in the Champions League, sometimes that’s all that matters.
