Arsenal vs Shakhtar: Player Ratings, Leandro Disappoints
Arsenal started their Champions League campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk. But while the result was a positive one, some of the performances left much to be desired, especially from Leandro, who had a game to forget.
A Dominant First Half
Arsenal took control from the get-go, with their high press and quick passing causing Shakhtar all sorts of problems. Bukayo Saka was a constant threat on the right wing, and his blistering pace was a nightmare for the Ukrainian defenders. Gabriel Jesus looked sharp, and his link-up play with Saka was a joy to watch.
The first goal came on 24 minutes, when Saka's low cross was deflected into the net by Mykhailo Mudryk. The second goal was a beautifully worked team goal, with Martin Ødegaard finding Gabriel Jesus with a clever through ball. Jesus then slotted the ball past the goalkeeper with a cool finish.
A Disappointing Second Half
Arsenal cruised through the second half, seemingly content with their two-goal lead. Shakhtar had a few chances, but they were unable to really test Aaron Ramsdale in goal. Leandro, on the other hand, had a real stinker. He looked lost in possession, and his decision-making was woeful. He was eventually replaced by Reiss Nelson in the 70th minute.
Player Ratings
Arsenal:
- Ramsdale (7): A quiet night for Ramsdale, but he was solid when called upon.
- White (7): Solid defensively and also got forward well.
- Saliba (7): A commanding performance from Saliba, who looks like a real leader at the back.
- Gabriel (7): Another solid performance from Gabriel, who is becoming a real rock at the heart of the Arsenal defense.
- Zinchenko (7): Zinchenko was his usual energetic self, and he provided good support in attack.
- Xhaka (7): Xhaka was a bit more cautious than usual, but he controlled the midfield well.
- Ødegaard (8): Another excellent performance from Ødegaard, who was a constant threat in the final third.
- Saka (9): Saka was unstoppable on the right wing, and his pace and dribbling skills were a constant menace to the Shaktar defense.
- Jesus (8): Jesus looks sharp, and he was a handful for the Shaktar defense.
- Martinelli (6): A quiet game for Martinelli, but he still contributed defensively.
- Leandro (4): A nightmare performance from Leandro, who was clearly off his game.
Shakhtar:
- Trubin (6): Trubin made a few good saves, but he could have done better with the first goal.
- Bondar (5): A difficult night for Bondar, who was outpaced by Saka on several occasions.
- Matviienko (6): Matviienko was solid defensively, but he struggled against the pace of the Arsenal attack.
- Kryvtsov (5): A poor performance from Kryvtsov, who was caught out of position on several occasions.
- Mudryk (6): Mudryk was lively, but he didn't have a lot of service and he also scored an unfortunate own goal.
- Sudakov (6): Sudakov was tidy in midfield, but he didn't really make much of an impact on the game.
- Ratt (5): Ratt struggled to cope with the intensity of the Arsenal midfield.
- Traore (5): Traore was ineffective going forward, and he didn't offer much defensively either.
- Bolbat (5): Bolbat was replaced at halftime, and he didn't make much of an impact.
- Shved (5): Shved came on as a substitute, but he couldn't change the game.
Overall, it was a comfortable win for Arsenal, but their performance was far from perfect. Leandro will need to bounce back quickly, as he will be looking to regain his form.