Gabriel Martinelli’s persistence forced an own goal as Arsenal edged out Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0 on a night of high-octane European football in a pulsating Champions League encounter at the Emirates. Though the scoreline was slender, the match was full of drama—a penalty save by Shakhtar’s keeper, Riznyk and a late full-stretch save from David Raya to keep the three points safe for the Gunners.

Fast Start for Arsenal

Mikel Arteta made two changes from the side that lost to Bournemouth, with Gabriel Jesus and Martinelli restored to the starting XI. Jesus, wearing the captain’s armband for the night, ignited Arsenal’s early momentum. Just five minutes in, the Brazilian beat Shakhtar’s Yukhym Konoplia on the right wing, delivering a dangerous low cross that was intercepted just before Kai Havertz could pounce.

Arsenal applied more pressure, forcing three corners in the opening exchanges, though none came to fruition. The best chance came from a Trossard corner, half-cleared to Riccardo Calafiori, who blazed his effort over the bar from close range.

After an excellent opening, the game settled, and Shakhtar began to find their rhythm. The Ukrainian side’s pacey winger, Eguinaldo, showed menace as he forced a block after breaking free on the left flank.

Martinelli’s Stroke of Luck

Arsenal’s breakthrough came just past the half-hour mark. Declan Rice slipped a pass inside the box to Martinelli, who showed excellent composure as he shifted onto his right foot to unleash a low shot that struck the base of the post before rebounding off the unfortunate Riznyk and into the net. Though recorded as an own goal, Martinelli’s quick thinking proved decisive.

Before halftime, Arsenal almost doubled their lead. First, Havertz was inches away from converting a Jesus knockdown before Mykola Matviyenko’s last-ditch clearance. Then, Jesus was denied by a brilliant save from Riznyk’s outstretched leg after a slick passing move involving Trossard and Havertz.

Missed Penalty and Defensive Changes

As the second half began, Arteta made some fundamental changes, bringing Mikel Merino on for Ben White and later Myles Lewis-Skelly as Riccardo Calafiori was forced off injured. Raheem Sterling also came on in the last 20 minutes to add pace.

A penalty was awarded with 20 minutes remaining after VAR caught Valeriy Bondar handling Merino’s cross. Leandro Trossard, lively all game, stepped up but saw his effort saved by Riznyk’s feet, denying Arsenal a second goal and raising tensions.

Raya’s Late Save Seals Victory

In injury time, Shakhtar almost equalized. Pedrinho fired a fierce shot from outside the box, but David Raya produced a brilliant flying save to deny them, securing Arsenal’s win. It was a crucial moment in a balanced match until the final whistle.

This victory gives Arsenal seven points from their first three group-stage games, placing them fourth. Despite some nervy moments, Arsenal have kept a third consecutive clean sheet in this season’s competition, a feat not achieved since 2007.

Key Statistics and Facts

– Arsenal’s first 1-0 win in a Champions League group stage match since beating Borussia Dortmund in 2013.

The last 1-0 European win via an own goal was against PSV in 2004.

– Dmytro Riznyk became the third player in Champions League history to score an own goal and save a penalty in the exact match.

– Arsenal have now missed four of their last eight Champions League penalties, a surprising stat after scoring 11 of their previous 12.

As Arsenal prepare for their next Champions League match, they must build on this good, if unspectacular, performance in their quest for European glory.