Mikel Arteta acknowledged Arsenal's "fatigue" after a narrow 1-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday, with an own goal by Shakhtar goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk securing the Gunners three points.
Arsenal came into the game following a 2-0 loss to Bournemouth in the Premier League, their first defeat since April when they faced Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final.
Despite an unconvincing performance, Arsenal took the lead in the 29th minute when Gabriel Martinelli’s strike hit the post and ricocheted off Riznyk’s back into the net. The Gunners missed a chance to extend their lead when Leandro Trossard failed to convert a late penalty, leaving the scoreline unchanged.
"It’s always difficult in the Champions League. We should have scored more in the first half, and in the second half I felt a bit of fatigue," said Arteta. "Credit to Shakhtar, they are brave. When you give them time on the ball and you lose the ball, you will suffer."
Arteta expressed concern after Riccardo Calafiori was forced off in the second half due to a knee injury, adding to the team's injury list which includes Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Jurrien Timber. William Saliba will also miss Sunday’s Premier League match against Liverpool due to suspension.
"Saka is not training yet, so he won’t be available, and Calafiori felt something and could not stay on. Bit of a worry," Arteta said.
Arsenal, now with seven points from three Champions League games, were not as dominant as in their previous 2-0 victory against Paris Saint-Germain. Shakhtar, still searching for their first goal in the tournament, faced a long journey to London due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, traveling by bus, train, and plane over several days.
The Gunners controlled possession but struggled to create clear chances. Gabriel Jesus, wearing the captain's armband, was unable to break his 22-game goal drought, while Trossard missed a header and had his penalty saved by Riznyk. Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya made crucial saves late in the game, denying Shakhtar’s Pedrinho and Marlon Gomes as Arsenal held on for the win.
With a crucial clash against Premier League leaders Liverpool looming on Sunday, Arsenal will need to recover quickly from their physical and mental fatigue.
