Scrappy Arsenal edge 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk

22 Oct 2024, 21:21 · CNA · Join

Soccer Football - Champions League - Arsenal v Shakhtar Donetsk - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - October 22, 2024 Arsenal's Declan Rice in action Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs

Soccer Football - Champions League - Arsenal v Shakhtar Donetsk - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - October 22, 2024 Arsenal's Leandro Trossard in action with Shakhtar Donetsk's Kevin Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs

Soccer Football - Champions League - Arsenal v Shakhtar Donetsk - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - October 22, 2024 Shakhtar Donetsk's Pedrinho in action with Arsenal's Kai Havertz Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs

Soccer Football - Champions League - Arsenal v Shakhtar Donetsk - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - October 22, 2024 Shakhtar Donetsk's Dmytro Riznyk saves a penalty missed by Arsenal's Leandro Trossard REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

Soccer Football - Champions League - Arsenal v Shakhtar Donetsk - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - October 22, 2024 Shakhtar Donetsk's Mykola Matviyenko in action as he clears the ball from Arsenal's Kai Havertz REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

LONDON : Arsenal needed an own goal to seal a scrappy 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday to make it two wins out of three in the Champions League and soften the blow of their first domestic league defeat of season at the weekend.

The hosts missed a penalty in the second half and squandered a number of decent chances, but the reality was they never found top gear and had to withstand some late pressure from their Ukrainian opponents.

Arsenal made a fast start with Brazilians Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus both having good opportunities before a fortunate opener in the 29th minute. A low shot from Martinelli rebounded off the post and off the back of Shakhtar keeper Dmytro Riznyk for what turned out to be the only goal of the game.

Shakhtar, who are yet to win in the Champions League this season, put more pressure on Arsenal after the interval, forcing a number of errors and some desperate defending, but they could have few complaints about the outcome given the chances the hosts spurned.

Victory keeps Arsenal in the top eight of the new 36-team league phase with their next match away at Inter Milan. Shakhtar will seek to bounce back in their next match at home to Young Boys.

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