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 0-0 Shakhtar
23 mins: Calafiori takes a similar shot to Rice and scuffs a low effort at goal just after Leandro Trossard had turned a pass wide of the target.
Calafiori’s effort finishes in the arms of the goalkeeper but it’s another instant of Arsenal getting into good areas but being unable to finish off the move.
Arsenal 0-0 Shakhtar
20 mins: Shot!
Declan Rice is encouraged to shoot from range by the home fans and decides to give them what they want. He rolls the ball onto his right foot from about 25-yards out and lets fly only to pull the ball wide of the target.
Arsenal 0-0 Shakhtar
17 mins: Promising from Shakhtar.
The move the ball brilliantly to feed it up to Danylo Sikan. He runs towards the box and draws in a couple of defenders before squaring a pass over to Eguinaldo.
He shoots but a deflection takes the ball out for a corner and Arsenal defend it well.
Arsenal 0-0 Shakhtar
15 mins: Quarter of an hour played and the match has settled into a steady tempo. Declan Rice is doing a lot of work in midfield trying to link up play and provide an option with runs into the box.
Martinelli swings a cross in from the left but Havertz can’t get a head to the ball.
Arsenal 0-0 Shakhtar
12 mins: Arsenal have started this game strongly and have controlled possession. They’re utilising the wide areas with Martinelli and Jesus sticking close to the touch lines.
The thought process is to spread the Ukranian defence and attempt to get in behind with Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard penetrating from the centre.
Shakhtar are making it tough with a back five defence though.
Arsenal 0-0 Shakhtar
9 mins: Eguinaldo tries to scuttle into Arsenal’s box in a rare forward move from the visitors but he’s hounded away on the edge of the box by William Saliba and Gabriel.
The Gunners turn over possession and immediatel push Shakhtar back into their own final third.
Arsenal 0-0 Shakhtar
6 mins: Strong pressure from Kai Havertz means Ben White can intercept a pass high up the pitch. He rolls it over to Leandro Trossard who flicks one round the corner for Havertz on his way into the box.
A couple of touches later and Arsenal win another corner. The first one is nodded behind for a second attempt. Trossard flicks the set piece to the near post where the ball is guided down towards Riccardo Calafiori.
He’s leaning back as he takes the shot and lifts his effort voer the crossbar!
Arsenal 0-0 Shakhtar
3 mins: After the corner is defended, Declan Rice sprays the ball across the pitch and finds Gabriel Jesus on the right wing. Arsenal’s captain attempts to feed a pass through to Kai Havertz but the ball is blocked.
Jesus receives it back and lays off to Ben White who gets taken out. Or so he thinks, the referee believes otherwise and lets play go on with Shakhtar looking to counter-attack.
Kick off! Arsenal 0-0 Shakhtar
The visitors get the ball rolling and boot it long over to the right side of the pitch. The ball comes all the way through to David Raya and Arsenal sweep quickly up the pitch.
They feed Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing and the brazilian scurries into the box and wins a corner.
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