Arsenal vs Shakhtar LIVE: Champions League score and updates as Gabriel Martinelli nets lucky goal
Back in European action, the Gunners hope to bounce back after a shock loss to Bournemouth
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Arsenal are back in Champions League action hoping to bounce back from a terrible domestic weekend as they host Shakhtar Donetsk in the European top-flight.
Mikel Arteta’s men were defeated 2-0 by Bournemouth in the Premier League last time out and will hope to brush that loss aside in order move closer to the automatic qualifying spots in the Champions League table tonight.
The top eight teams will all earn a place in the last-16 without having to go through a play-off match and the Gunners currently sit 13th with one win and one draw from their two matches so far. It has been a strong start to the competition with their opponents being Europa League champions Atalanta and Ligue 1 winners Paris Saint-Germain.
In comparision, Shakhtar are still seeking their first win in the revamped league phase having taken one point from their first two matches. Arsenal will be confident of winning all three points tonight but the Champions League does throw out the odd surprising result.
Follow all the action with our live blog below:
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.
HT Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar
In the other Champions League tie featuring an English side, Aston Villa are drawing 0-0 with Bologna at Villa Park. There’s been come decent chances for the hosts but they’ve been a touch wasteful in front of goal.
HT Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar
Arsenal have had 29 attacks at the Shakhtar defence with eight of them resulting in an attempt at goal. They’ve dominated possession with 63% in their favour and have only allowed the Ukranian side to take two attempts at goal.
A very strong performance from the Gunners so far.
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