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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Your support makes all the difference.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
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.
Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar
66 mins: Calafiori is bungled off the ball by Eguinaldo who nicks it deep in the Gunners’ half and looks to have left a bit on the defender.
A proper chance doesn’t develop but it’s a warning sign at 1-0. This game hasn’t been won yet.
Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar
60 mins: An hour played at the Emirates and Mikel Arteta is considering some substitutions. He’s sent a few players out to warm up.
Arsenal will want to win this game but they’ve got a big Premier League clash with Liverpool to worry about as well.
Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar
57 mins: Martinelli bounces off Yukhym Konoplia and lifts a cross to the far side of the box aiming for Gabriel Jesus. Jesus is beaten in the air by Pedor Henrique who clears the danger.
It’s been a touch evening for the two full backs from Shakhtar.
Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar
54 mins: Shakhtar defend the corner well enough and come forward. There are spaces opening up in the Arsenal defence with Eguinaldo in particular finding a bit more space in dangerous areas.
Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar
51 mins: Close! Arsenal are piling the pressure on. Kai Havertz is fed down the right side of the pitch and carries the ball into the box.
His pass comes across the area and finds Martinelli who whips a shot straight into the arms of the goalkeeper who palms it wide.
Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar
48 mins: Close!
Riccardo Calafiori spins in the middle of the pitch and creates a touch of space. He drives forward and sends a pass out wide to Gabriel Martinelli.
Martinelli fizzes a cross into the penalty area and Leandro Trossard gets guiding head to the ball but turns it wide of the far post. Good chance.
Second half! Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar
Mikel Arteta has made a change at the break with Ben White taken off and replaced with Mikel Merino. It’s an attacking switch which may prove useful in getting Arsenal more goals.
Thomas Partey looks like he may be dropping into the right back possession to cover for White’s absence.
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