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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged his team’s fatigue following a narrow 1-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday, courtesy of an own goal from Shakhtar goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.
The Gunners were coming off a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Bournemouth in the Premier League, marking their first loss in all competitions since April’s Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich. Although their performance against Shakhtar was less than convincing, Arsenal managed to secure three points thanks to Riznyk’s misfortune from a Gabriel Martinelli strike in the first half.
Leandro Trossard had the opportunity to add to the scoreline with a late penalty but failed to convert, leaving the result more tense than it perhaps should have been. Arteta expressed frustration over the penalty situation, revealing his surprise that Trossard took the spot-kick instead of Kai Havertz.
Adding to Arteta’s concerns, defender Riccardo Calafiori was forced off in the second half with a knee injury, joining an injury list that already includes Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Jurrien Timber. The French defender William Saliba is also suspended for the crucial Premier League clash against leaders Liverpool on Sunday.
Despite having seven points from their opening three Champions League games, Arsenal’s performance fell short of the impressive display that saw them defeat Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 in their previous match.
Shakhtar, on the other hand, remains without a goal in the Champions League this season and sits with just one point from three games. The Ukrainian champions endured a lengthy journey to London, spending 17 hours travelling by bus, train, and plane after leaving Kyiv on Friday.
Midfielder Mikel Merino likened Arsenal to an NBA basketball team, noting the imposing height of many starting players. This physical advantage has contributed to Arsenal’s set-piece strength, yet they missed an early opportunity from Trossard’s corner when Calafiori shot over from close range.
While Arsenal controlled much of the game, they were fortunate to take the lead in the 29th minute. Martinelli’s menacing run culminated in a low drive that struck the post and ricocheted off Riznyk into the net.
Gabriel Jesus, who wore the captain’s armband in a bid to boost his confidence following a 22-match goal drought, squandered a golden chance when he shot too close to Riznyk after receiving a pass from Havertz.
Arsenal remained unusually subdued in attack, and Trossard’s penalty miss in the closing stages after a handball by Valerii Bondar added to the tension, leaving the Gunners to endure a nervy finish.
Shakhtar’s Pedrinho tested Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya with a powerful strike, which was saved, and Marlon Gomes’ header was comfortably gathered by the Spaniard as Arsenal held on for the win.
