Arsenal returned to winning ways in the Champions League with a 1-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The Gunners, who suffered a surprise defeat to Bournemouth at the weekend, secured the three points thanks to an unfortunate own goal by Shakhtar Donetsk goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.
The home side dominated the early stages and created a number of chances. Riccardo Calafiori should have given Arsenal the lead, and Gabriel Jesus was also denied by Riznyk.
The breakthrough finally came in the 29th minute when Gabriel Martinelli’s shot struck the post and rebounded off Riznyk into the net.
Despite Arsenal’s control, Shakhtar remained a threat on the counter-attack, with winger Eguinaldo causing problems for the Gunners’ defense.
Mikel Arteta’s side were already dealing with a number of injury absences, with captain Martin Odegaard and key attacker Bukayo Saka both unavailable.
Arsenal’s injury concerns may have worsened during the match, as Ben White, who was on a yellow card, was replaced at half-time, and Calafiori also had to be withdrawn after receiving treatment following an awkward fall.
Leandro Trossard had a golden opportunity to double Arsenal’s lead late in the game when a VAR review led to a penalty being awarded for handball against Valerii Bondar. However, Trossard’s spot kick was poorly struck and saved by Riznyk.
Shakhtar almost snatched a dramatic equalizer in stoppage time, but David Raya produced an excellent save to deny Pedrinho from the edge of the box.
The victory allows Arsenal to put the Bournemouth defeat behind them and turn their attention to a crucial Premier League clash with table-topping Liverpool on Sunday.
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