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:
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.
HT Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar
A great first half for Arsenal. Can they repeat it in the second 45 minutes at the Emirates?
Half-time! Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar
45+1 mins: A totally dominant first half from Arsenal who are very comfortable for their one goal lead. They’re trying to add to that tally whilst being frustrated by a stubborn Shakhtar defence.
There’s been very little in return. Mikel Arteta will be pleased.
Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar
42 mins: Arsenal want more. They’re hungry for goals and work the ball into the box for Jesus who blazes an effort at goal only for Riznyk to deny the Gunners’ captain from close range.
Great save!
Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar
39 mins: Chance!
Martinelli flicks a cross over to the far post where Gabriel Jesus has the awareness to nod it back across the penalty area towards Kai Havertz.
Havertz throws himself at the ball looking for the header but Mykola Matviyenko gets there just ahead of him and manages to poke the ball into space.
If Havertz won that duel it was 2-0 Arsenal. Important clearance from the Shakhtar captain.
Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar
36 mins: Arsenal’s goal has officially been recorded as an own goal from Shakhtar goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk. That’s a touch unfortunate for him as he knew little about it once Martinelli’s shot had beaten him.
So far so good for Arsenal. A second goal may force a change in tactics from the visitors.
Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar
33 mins: Close!
Declan Rice makes a run from deep and gets fed into the left side of the box. He pulls it across the penalty area looking for Kai Havertz but Dmytro Riznyk gets there first and sweeps the ball away.
He takes a knock in the process and needs a breather.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar (Gabriel Martinell, 29 mins)
There’s the goal!
Gabriel Martinelli receives the ball on the left side of the pitch and decides to cut inside. As he does so Riccardo Calafiori makes an underlapping run to draw away the nearest defender.
That leaves Martinelli with time to shoot and he strikes the near post. The goalkeeper dives across and misses the ball but the rebound sees it hit him in the back and deflect back over the line!
It’s lucky for Arsenal but they’re ahead.
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