Arsenal vs Shakhtar LIVE: Champions League result and reaction as Gunners claim tight victory
Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar Donetsk: Dmytro Riznyk’s own goal secured the points for the Gunners
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Arsenal earned another three points in the Champions League league phase with a less than comfortable 1-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners needed a win after their defeat to Bournemouth last Saturday and their desire to score was evident throughout a dominant first half. They had 22 attacks and created eight attempts with Declan Rice, Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard all coming close.
It was Gabriel Martinelli who broke the deadlock with what proved to be the decisive strike. The Brazilian cut in from the left and struck a fine effort onto the post. The rebounded and hit Shakhtar goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk on the back before bobbling over the line.
In the second half Arsenal were awarded a penalty for a handball following a VAR check but Leandro Trossard has his effort stopped by Riznyk in some redemption for the keeper. Shakhtar then fought back well and the signs were strong that an equaliser was coming.
It wasn’t to be though with David Raya leaping to the left to make a fine save late in the game to give Arsenal the win.
Relive the action with our live blog below:
Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar
90+3 mins: Save!
What a moment from David Raya. Shakhtar continue to knock on the door with substitute Pedrinho taking a shot from outside the box. It’s swerving and dipping, heading for the bottom corner but Raya leaps to the left and palms the ball out of play.
Another huge moment and Arsenal’s goalkeeper keeps them in the lead.
Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar
90 mins: Six minutes of added time to play!
Can Shakhtar get an equaliser?
Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar
89 mins: Nearly! Martinelli floats another ball into the box. Declan Rice is there this time and can only toe a soft effort at the goalkeeper.
Time is almost up.
Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar
86 mins: Mikel Arteta is now just focused on getting this win over the line. Arsenal dominated the first half but Shakhtar have fought back in the second.
It’s been a very strong response from the visitors who, on reflection, probably deserve a goal in this half.
Arsenal are bringing on Jorginho to replace Trossard.
Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar
83 mins: Pedro Henrique bombs forward down the left and lifts a cross into the box. David Raya parries it away but only puts the ball in the middle of the 18-yard box.
Luckily the first man to it is an Arsenal one and the ball is hooked clear.
Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar
80 mins: Into the last 10 minutes now and this is where things start to get nervy. Arsenal keep putting themselves under pressure with simple passing errors and mistakes.
Shakhtar believe they can get back into this one.
SAVED! Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar
77 mins: Denied!
Dmytro Riznyk hangs out his legs as Leandro Trossard goes down the middle. It’s not a great penalty and the Shakhtar goalkeeper comes up trumps to keep his team in touch.
Big moment.
Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar
75 mins: The do! Penalty to Arsenal.
Leandro Trossard is stepping up to take it.
Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar
74 mins: Now then.
There’s a VAR review happening for a handball against one of the Shakhtar defenders. This was ignored on the field but the referee has been called over for a look.
Arsenal may have a penalty here...
Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar
69 mins: Calafiori doesn’t look quite right. He’s got a furrowed brow and seems to have a niggle after that tackle from Eguinaldo.
Miles Lewis-Skelly is called on to replace him and this will be a test for the youngster as Arsenal attempt to close out this match.
Shakhtar are just finding some momentum.
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