Arsenal secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday night, bouncing back from their weekend Premier League loss. An own goal by Shakhtar keeper Dmytro Riznyk gave the Gunners their second win in three Champions League outings, easing the disappointment of their recent domestic setback.
Despite controlling much of the game, Arsenal struggled to convert their chances and missed a second-half penalty. A fast start saw early opportunities for Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus before Martinelli’s shot in the 29th minute hit the post and ricocheted off Riznyk for the decisive goal.
Shakhtar, winless in the Champions League this season, applied late pressure, nearly equalizing in stoppage time when Pedrinho’s long-range effort was brilliantly saved by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. Earlier, Shakhtar captain Mykola Matviyenko prevented a second Arsenal goal by clearing Kai Havertz’s header off the line.
Leandro Trossard failed to convert a penalty awarded after a VAR review for handball, leaving Arsenal vulnerable to a late Shakhtar comeback. However, Raya’s sharp reflexes preserved the lead.
The victory moves Arsenal into the provisional top four of the new 36-team league phase, with their next match away against Inter Milan. Meanwhile, Shakhtar will look to regroup at home against Swiss side Young Boys.
Arsenal, missing key players Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard due to injury, will be relieved with the win but remain short of their best form. Defenders Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori were also forced off due to injury, adding to Arsenal’s concerns ahead of upcoming fixtures.
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