Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar Donetsk: Gunners continue strong start in Champions League with narrow win | OneFootball

Gunners largely unimpressive but get job done

Arsenal maintained their unbeaten start in the Champions League but were far from convincing in a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk.

A first-half own goal from goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk, after Gabriel Martinelli’s strike had hit the post, should have sent the Gunners on their way to a comfortable night, and an emphatic response to the weekend defeat to Bournemouth.

But Gabriel Jesus missed a big chance to double the lead before the break and Arsenal then failed to impress in the second-half, failing to finish off the match and allowing Shakhtar to grow in confidence, even if David Raya was rarely tested.

Leandro Trossard’s poor penalty was saved with just over ten minutes remaining, ensuring Arsenal could not relax until the final whistle. Pedrinho went close in stoppage-time, forcing Raya into a good save with a powerful strike from distance.

Mikel Arteta’s side saw it out, though, to make it seven points from their opening three fixtures in Europe this season, as they returned to winning ways ahead of Liverpool’s visit this weekend.