Arsenal managed a close 1-0 win against Shakhtar Donetsk at the Emirates and stretched their unbeaten home record in UEFA Champions League group stage matches to 10 games.
The Gunners dominated early, though Riccardo Calafiori and Leandro Trossard missed gilt-edged chances. But persistence paid off in the 29th minute when Gabriel Martinelli’s shot rebounded off the post, off Shakhtar goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk for the game’s only goal.
Despite the Gunners’ dominance, Shakhtar’s defence held strong, with Mykola Matviyenko clearing in extremis to deny Kai Havertz a close-range goal. Gabriel Jesus also saw his shot saved by Riznyk just before halftime.
The profligacy of the hosts continued after the break, with Trossard heading wide before Martinelli’s attempt was pushed out by Riznyk. A chance to wrap up victory was handed on a plate to Arsenal when Valeriy Bondar was penalised for handball, before from the spot, Riznyk denied Trossard.
Shakhtar pressed for a late equalizer, with Pedrinho forcing a stunning stoppage-time save from David Raya, and Arsenal held on for a vital victory that keeps them on course in the Champions League group stage.
