Arsenal Edge Past Shakhtar: Martinelli Shines, Jesus Held Back
Arsenal kicked off their Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Shakhtar Donetsk at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners, despite dominating possession, struggled to break down a resilient Ukrainian side, ultimately needing a late goal from Gabriel Jesus to secure the victory.
Martinelli the Hero, Again!
Gabriel Martinelli was the star of the show for Arsenal, putting in a fantastic performance. The Brazilian winger was a constant threat down the left flank, constantly weaving past defenders and creating chances. He opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a well-taken finish after a neat pass from Bukayo Saka.
Jesus Held Back
It wasn't all smooth sailing for the Gunners. After a dominant first half, Arsenal slowed down in the second. Shakhtar found their rhythm, and even managed to equalize through a well-taken free-kick from Mykhailo Mudryk.
Late Drama
With the game looking like it might end in a frustrating draw, Arsenal finally found their killer instinct. Jesus, who had a quiet game by his own high standards, pounced on a loose ball in the box and slotted it home in the 85th minute.
Big Win, But Work to Be Done
The win was a crucial start for Arsenal in the Champions League, but it wasn't without its challenges. Mikel Arteta's side will need to improve their consistency if they want to challenge for the title in Europe.
Here are some key takeaways from the game:
- Martinelli's brilliance: The young winger was a constant threat and deservedly earned the Man of the Match award.
- Jesus needs to find his groove: The Brazilian striker looked off the pace and will need to find his scoring touch soon.
- Shakhtar Donetsk: a tough opponent: The Ukrainian side proved to be a resilient foe, giving Arsenal a run for their money.
Arsenal will face a tough test next week when they travel to Spain to face Real Sociedad. They will need to find their best form to get a positive result in that match.