Arsenal maintained their strong start to the UEFA Champions League group stage, earning seven points from nine with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk at the Emirates.
Gabriel Martinelli’s 29th-minute strike proved decisive, as the Brazilian cut inside and unleashed a low drive that rebounded off the post and goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk before crossing the line.
Kai Havertz nearly doubled Arsenal’s advantage on the cusp of half-time, but Donetsk’s defenders scrambled to deny him a record-breaking goal.
Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to replicate their first-half performance in the second, appearing disjointed and leggy. A VAR-awarded penalty offered a chance to seal the win, but Leandro Trossard’s tame effort was blocked by Riznyk.
Arsenal endured nervy moments late on but secured another clean sheet, solidifying their position in the group.
Arteta’s team has made headlines for ill discipline, with three Premier League red cards. The team faded badly in the second half, raising concerns about fatigue. With nine outfield players already accumulating significant minutes, Arteta faces a challenge ahead of the weekend’s clash with Liverpool.
Image Credit: Getty Images Sport