Arsenal edges closer to qualification with an unconvincing performance, as a lucky own goal seals the points in a subdued match at the Emirates.

Arsenal secured a lacklustre 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk at the Emirates Stadium, moving closer to qualification in the extended Champions League format. The victory came courtesy of an unfortunate own goal by Shakhtar’s goalkeeper, Dmytro Riznyk after a Gabriel Martinelli effort rebounded off the post and deflected into the net. Despite the three points, it was a muted performance from Mikel Arteta’s side, who struggled to assert their dominance.

With the Champions League group phase now stretching over more matches, Arsenal find themselves in a somewhat comfortable position. However, this mid-stage fixture offered little excitement for the home fans, who witnessed an Arsenal side lacking their usual spark, particularly in the second half.

Shakhtar Donetsk, who have admirably continued competing despite the ongoing turmoil in Ukraine, were resilient opponents and came close to snatching an equaliser in the dying moments of the match. Yet Arsenal held on, thanks in part to goalkeeper David Raya, who made a crucial save in stoppage time.

A Fluky Decider

Arsenal started brightly, with Martinelli looking the most lively of Arteta’s attacking options. His persistence eventually led to the decisive goal. After receiving a pass from Declan Rice, Martinelli drove down the left flank, cutting inside Yukhym Konoplia before drilling a low shot that struck the post. Riznyk, scrambling to recover, saw the ball ricochet off him and into the net in a cruel twist of fate.

The goal was against the run of play, but it injected some energy into an otherwise quiet match. Martinelli’s efforts continued to be a highlight for Arsenal, with the Brazilian showing signs of returning to his best form after a period of injury and inconsistency.

Shakhtar’s Fightback

Shakhtar, to their credit, did not fold. Riznyk, eager to redeem himself, pulled off a string of saves, including a stop from Gabriel Jesus just before half-time. Kai Havertz, who continues to struggle in finding consistent form for Arsenal, saw a near-certain goal denied by a heroic clearance from Mykola Matviyenko.

The Ukrainian side grew into the game as Arsenal’s intensity dropped in the second half. A mistake from Leandro Trossard, whose misplaced pass gave Shakhtar an opening, required a timely intervention from Gabriel to keep the visitors at bay. Moments later, Trossard was handed a chance to make amends when Arsenal were awarded a penalty following a VAR review that spotted Valeriy Bondar handling the ball in the box.

However, Riznyk saved Trossard’s weak penalty, diving low to block the shot with his legs, much to the dismay of the Arsenal forward. This miss gave Shakhtar renewed hope, and they pressed Arsenal hard in the final stages, with Pedrinho’s long-range strike forcing a fingertip save from Raya to preserve the win.

Injury Concerns for Arsenal

Arsenal’s night was further soured by an injury to Riccardo Calafiori, who limped off in the second half. Arteta later confirmed the full-back had suffered a muscle issue and could be in doubt for the weekend clash against Liverpool. With several key players already sidelined, including Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka, Arteta will be hoping for a swift recovery for Calafiori as the fixtures continue to pile up.

What’s Next

The result puts Arsenal in a strong position to advance in the Champions League, but the manner of the performance will raise concerns for Arteta, particularly ahead of more demanding fixtures. Fatigue seemed to be a factor, with the manager admitting after the match that his side’s energy levels were “low.”

Shakhtar, meanwhile, can take pride in their display. Despite the loss, they remain in contention and continue to defy the odds, both on and off the pitch. Their next challenge will be a daunting 20-hour journey back to Kyiv for their weekend derby against Dynamo, an extraordinary feat given the ongoing challenges they face.

For Arsenal, it was a job done, but with little style or conviction. A stronger performance will be required when they face Liverpool on Sunday, a fixture that could prove pivotal to their Premier League ambitions.