Arsenal’s Champions League win comes at a cost to increase injury headache
Subscribe For Free: Miguel Delaney's Game Insights
Subscribe To Miguel Delaney's Free Weekly Newsletter
Subscribe To Miguel Delaney's Free Newsletter
I’d like to receive emails about promotions, events, and news from The Independent. Please check out our privacy policy.
There’s been a growing sense of unease surrounding Arsenal lately, and it intensified during the latter part of their tense 1-0 victory against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League. When Riccardo Calafiori limped off the field after a bad fall, it added to the team's already long list of injuries, causing more stress for Mikel Arteta as he prepares for the upcoming match against Liverpool on Sunday. “He felt an issue,” Arteta commented afterward. “I’m not sure how serious it is, so that’s not encouraging.”
His team had to put in a strong effort to secure another three points in the Champions League match against a determined Shakhtar squad. There was a noticeable drop in energy following Calafiori’s injury, and again after Leandro Trossard’s penalty was blocked in the 75th minute. As has happened before in this tournament, Arsenal once again relied on David Raya, whose impressive save prevented Pedrinho’s powerful shot from finding the net in the 92nd minute. This crucial save denied the Ukrainian team a potentially historic draw.
Calafiori's injury has already increased the list of worries for Arsenal. In defense, Arteta will be missing the suspended William Saliba for the match against Liverpool, and Jurrien Timber remains unavailable, along with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu. By the end of the game, Arsenal had to rely on Thomas Partey and Myles Lewis-Skelly as their full-backs since Ben White was subbed out at halftime due to a yellow card. Fortunately, White wasn't hurt; Arteta was keen to avoid a fourth red card this season.
Another bright spot emerged in the match. Gabriel Martinelli took charge of Arsenal's offense, channeling their momentum through his efforts, as if he was eager to make up for his missed opportunity during the scoreless draw at Bournemouth last Saturday. The Brazilian returned to near his unstoppable form, playing a crucial role in Arsenal's lone goal of the evening, which was unfortunately an own goal off Shakhtar's goalkeeper, Dymtro Riznyk. Beyond that, he showcased his trademark speed and dribbling skills. Arteta commented, “He was very sharp and full of energy. He posed a significant threat.”
Arsenal really needed this boost. With Bukayo Saka missing once again, Martinelli's sharpness added some much-needed energy down the left side. While Arsenal typically relies heavily on Saka and Martin Odegaard on the right, Arteta has been searching for similar impact on the left for a while. With a fully fit Martinelli back in form and teaming up with Calafiori, they might have found that spark. However, another strategy will likely be necessary as Liverpool is coming to town this weekend, and given the recent loss to Bournemouth, this is a crucial match they must win.
Last night highlighted just how much Arsenal is missing Saka and Odegaard. Aside from Martinelli, Arteta’s squad had a tough time finding their rhythm. Gabriel Jesus showed some glimpses of skill but seemed out of place after being pushed back to the right side. Raheem Sterling didn’t get the chance he needed to find his footing in the Arsenal lineup, especially after he received a yellow card following Saliba’s red card in the first half on Saturday night. Trossard, who was partly responsible for the center-back’s dismissal with his poor back pass, seems to be lacking confidence. He had a golden opportunity to secure what should have been an easy win from the penalty spot, but his shot, taken straight down the middle, was saved by Riznyk.
At least that was a moment for the traveling supporters to cheer. Shakhtar was not just playing for themselves; they were also a symbol of Ukraine in London. With their national league severely affected by the ongoing Russian invasion, Ukrainian teams face incredible challenges when trying to compete internationally. Nonetheless, Shakhtar was resolute in their mission to stand up for their country. The away section was a vibrant display of blue and yellow, representing the Ukrainian flag.
It seemed like Shakhtar might have a rough evening right from the start. Their struggle to maintain accurate ball control while trying to play from the back invited pressure from Arsenal, leading to a situation where Arsenal could control the game, even if they didn't appear overly impressive themselves. However, without Saka on the field, it was hard to shake the feeling that Arsenal lacked a key element, especially as Trossard attempted to take corners with his left foot in a bid to mimic Saka's curling deliveries.
Although this set up an early opportunity, Calafiori missed from seven yards out, sending the ball over the bar. Both he and Declan Rice attempted long-range shots, but they posed no real threat. Trossard also tried a flick towards the near post, but it went wide without causing any trouble. The standout performer was Martinelli, who was the liveliest player for Arsenal. The turning point came when the Brazilian made a strong run into the penalty area, positioned himself for a right-footed shot, and after a quick adjustment, he fired a low shot towards the near post. Riznyk might have stopped it if Martinelli's effort hadn't deflected off something on its way. Instead, the ball hit the post and bounced in off Riznyk’s back.
Arsenal increased their pressure as the first half came to a close. Martinelli delivered a cross that found Jesus at the far post, but Matviyenko made a crucial clearance to stop Kai Havertz from scoring on the goal line. Shortly after, Riznyk needed to make an important save with his feet when Havertz set up Jesus with a clever pass. Following the break, Martinelli kept up Arsenal's momentum by sending in a cross that Trossard headed off target. Calafiori played a key role once again, skillfully maneuvering between two Shakhtar players in midfield. Martinelli continued to put pressure on Riznyk, chasing him until the keeper had to clear the ball for a throw-in.
However, Arsenal lost their grip on the match, giving Shakhtar a chance to come back. Raya didn’t have to make any saves until the very end, but there were moments when Arsenal players appeared nervous with the ball. Trossard, who had previously made a back-pass that resulted in Saliba’s red card against Bournemouth, nearly put Arsenal in a tough spot again, but Eguinaldo’s shot was stopped. Calafiori was challenged just outside his own box by Eguinaldo, but Shakhtar ended up being offside.
Calafiori fell awkwardly, with his leg slipping out from under him. He tried to keep playing but ended up joining Arsenal’s growing list of injured players just ahead of the matchup against Liverpool. Arsenal had a chance to seal the victory when Mikel Merino's arm hit Valerii Bondar's hand inside the penalty area. In a perfect illustration of Arsenal's struggles that night, Trossard took a shot straight down the middle, but Riznyk made a save with his feet. Arsenal shouldn't have needed any more intervention from Raya after his impressive double-save against Atalanta, but he was called upon again to stop Pedrinho.
