Arsenal extended their unbeaten run in the Champions League with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk, although the performance left much to be desired.
The Gunners took the lead midway through the first half when Gabriel Martinelli’s powerful shot struck the post and rebounded into the net off Shakhtar goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk, registering as an unfortunate own goal.
What could have been the start of a dominant display quickly turned into a more challenging affair. Gabriel Jesus squandered a golden opportunity to double the lead before halftime, and Arsenal struggled to find rhythm in the second half.
Despite dominating possession, the Gunners lacked the clinical edge to put the match out of reach.
Leandro Trossard’s missed penalty in the 79th minute added to Arsenal’s frustrations, as his tame effort was comfortably saved by Riznyk, keeping Shakhtar in the game.
The visitors grew in confidence, and although they didn’t create many clear chances, they pressed forward as the match wore on, sensing an opportunity to snatch an equalizer.
In stoppage-time, Pedrinho nearly punished Arsenal’s lack of finishing when he unleashed a thunderous shot from distance, forcing a sharp save from David Raya, who had been largely untested throughout the evening.
Arsenal weathered the late pressure, holding on for a crucial win that lifted them to seven points from three Champions League matches.
While the result provided a much-needed boost after the disappointing defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League, Mikel Arteta’s men will need to sharpen their performance ahead of a high-stakes clash against Liverpool at the Emirates this weekend.
