Arsenal managed to edge out a narrow win in their Champions League clash against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday night, securing three vital points in a rather unremarkable contest at the Emirates Stadium.
The game’s only goal came in the 29th minute, courtesy of a mistake from Shakhtar goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.
Gabriel Martinelli drove into the penalty area and unleashed a powerful shot that hit the post, only for the ball to rebound off Riznyk and end up in the back of the net.
Despite taking the lead, Arsenal struggled to extend their advantage, missing several opportunities throughout the match.
The most notable miss came in the 77th minute when Leandro Trossard was awarded a penalty.
His weak attempt to convert the spot-kick, aimed softly down the middle, was easily saved by Riznyk, who dived to his left but still managed to block the shot with his right foot.
BBC Sport pundit Chris Sutton was critical of Trossard’s penalty attempt, commenting on the lack of determination in his shot.
Sutton remarked, “It does hit Valerii Bondar’s right arm… Trossard tries to go down the middle, and Riznyk saves it with his right boot.
A real lack of conviction. Shakhtar Donetsk are still in this and they shouldn’t be.”
Arsenal’s inability to close out the game with a second goal meant they had to rely on goalkeeper David Raya to maintain their lead in the dying moments.
Raya came up with a few important saves, denying Shakhtar’s Pedrinho and Marlon Gomes from equalizing.
His performance proved crucial as the Gunners held on to their slim lead until the final whistle.
Adding to Arsenal’s concerns was a potential injury to Riccardo Calafiori, who was forced off with what appeared to be a knee problem.
The extent of the injury remains unclear, but it could be a blow for the Gunners if Calafiori is sidelined for an extended period.
With the victory, Arsenal now sits in fourth place in the Champions League standings, with two wins and a draw from their first three matches.
In contrast, Shakhtar Donetsk continues to struggle, having failed to score or secure a win after three games.
Arsenal’s focus will now shift back to the Premier League, where they are set to face a title rival on Sunday afternoon.
The Gunners will be hoping to carry the momentum from their Champions League victory into that match, but they will need to address their finishing if they are to come away with another important result.
