ARSENAL continued their unbeaten run in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk – but it was far from a convincing performance.
Gabriel Martinelli orchestrated the decisive goal when his low-driven strike hit the post and deflected in off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.
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The Gunners had plenty of chances to extend their lead but failed to make the most of them.
Leandro Trossard missed a golden opportunity to make it 2-0 from the penalty spot with 15 minutes left to play.
The Belgian fired his shot straight down the middle, making it relatively easy for Riznyk to save.
That missed spot-kick just about summed up his performance at the Emirates Stadium.
Nevertheless, Arsenal just about held on to claim all three points.
On a cold Tuesday evening in north London, SunSport’s Tony Robertson rates the performance.
DAVID RAYA – 7
Seldom asked to do much aside from recycle the ball to Magalhaes or Saliba until the final stages
Pushed a potentially dangerous cross out of danger in the 84th minute. Pulled out a magnificent low save in injury time before claiming a dangerous cross to keep his clean sheet.
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BEN WHITE – 6
Back in at right-back today and played as if he had never been out of the team.
Received a yellow card in the 34th minute. Subbed at half-time for Mikel Merino.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 7
In the team after his red card against Bournemouth, played like his typically assured self marshalling the defence.
One or two sloppy passes late in the second half but otherwise can have no complaints with another solid performance.
GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5
Sloppily gave the ball away to hand the visitors a dangerous chance out of nothing. Had another lapse just after the opener but in the end he was bailed out by Calafiori.
Marked improvement in the second half. Quick to block a shot on the edge of the area after Trossard lazily gave the ball away with a weak pass and later poked a ball back to Raya after the looming threat of a one-on-one.
RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6
Skied a golden chance over the bar after six minutes. Tested the goalkeeper again after 24 minutes.
Dragged his foot and went down injured after skipping under a tackle in the 67th minute. Replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly in 71st minute.
THOMAS PARTEY – 6
Comfortable evening in midfield for him. Recycled the ball well when at his feet and kept play ticking over.
Moved to right back as White was hooked but didn’t have too many worries. When he was caught out of position Rice was able to cover.
DECLAN RICE – 6
Like Partey, he had a quiet night in midfield with Shakhtar unable to retain meaningful possession.
Moved into the six as White was hooked and Partey moved to right-back. Cut out a dangerous low cross at the edge of the area.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4
Sliced a shot wide after Havertz cushioned a gifted pass into his path in the penalty area. Had some nice touches linking play behind the striker but generally seemed to have an off night with a number of long range passes not finding their mark and instead shooting off the pitch.
Early second half header went wide but he should have done better given he got solid contact. Gave away the ball on the edge of the area for a Shakhtar shot that was fortunately closed down by Gabriel. Summed up his night by missing a 77th minute penalty and was hooked in the 88th minute.
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GABRIEL JESUS – 8
Wore the captain’s armband and looked bright down the right wing. Delivered a dangerous low cross that was begging for someone to reach it for a tap-in early on. Denied a well-deserved goal by the feet of the keeper in the 43rd minute after Havertz played him in. Last act of the half saw him beat his marker before having a close-range shot blocked.
Second half saw more good link play, but never had another chance to end his goal drought as he was replaced by Sterling in the 68th minute.
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GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7
Grew into the game following a quiet start and was rewarded with a goal after 30 minutes. Brazilian cut inside from the left wing before firing a shot to the near post before the shot rebounded off the woodwork and hit the goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk to go in the net.
Out of the blocks fast in the second half and whipped a dangerous cross into the area but Trossard could only guide his header wide. Almost forced goalie in an error with some superb pressing work. Had a near post shot saved moments later.
KAI HAVERTZ – 7
Centimeters away from getting Arsenal’s second in the 39th minute after Jesus squared a volley back across goal. Returned the favour to set up his team-mate moments later only for the goalkeeper to prevent a goal.
Fed in by Jesus and whipped a dangerous cross into the area for Martinelli at the far post who had his post saved. Won a free-kick at the very end of the game to run the clock down.
