Mikel Arteta acknowledged Arsenal were struggling with “fatigue” after a 1-0 win against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League, courtesy of an own goal by goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk. The victory at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday followed a 2-0 Premier League defeat to Bournemouth last weekend, Arsenal’s first loss in all competitions since their Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich in April.
Despite a lackluster performance, Arsenal managed to claim three points after Gabriel Martinelli’s first-half shot deflected off Riznyk into the net. Leandro Trossard missed a late penalty, which could have extended Arsenal’s lead.
“It’s always difficult in Champions League. We should have scored more in the first half, and the second half I felt a bit of fatigue,” Arteta said after the match. “Credit to Shakhtar, they are brave. When you give them time on the ball and you lose the ball, you will suffer.”
Arsenal, playing with 10 men for much of their previous match, appeared fatigued, according to Arteta, who praised his team for holding on for the win. However, he expressed frustration over Trossard taking the penalty instead of Kai Havertz, stating, “I don’t know. He is one of the takers but Leo took it.”
In addition to missing key players like Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Jurrien Timber, Arsenal suffered another setback when Riccardo Calafiori was forced off due to a potential knee injury. Arteta also confirmed that William Saliba will be suspended for Sunday’s Premier League match against Liverpool. “Saka is not training yet, so he won’t be available,” Arteta added. “Calafiori felt something and could not stay on. Bit of a worry.”
Despite the win, Arsenal’s performance lacked the intensity of their 2-0 victory against Paris Saint-Germain in their previous Champions League match. The Gunners now have seven points from three games in the group stage, while Shakhtar remain without a goal and sit at the bottom of the table with just one point.
Shakhtar, unable to play home fixtures in Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict, endured a 17-hour journey from Kyiv to London. Despite their efforts, the Ukrainian side struggled to find the back of the net.
Arsenal dominated possession but were unable to capitalize on several opportunities, with Gabriel Jesus, who wore the captain’s armband, missing a chance to score after receiving a pass from Havertz. Trossard also missed a header from Martinelli’s cross, while Riznyk made key saves to deny further Arsenal goals.
Late in the game, Shakhtar pushed for an equalizer. Pedrinho’s strike from 18 yards was saved by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, while Marlon Gomes’ header was also stopped, helping the Gunners hold on for a narrow win.
