Arsenal returned to winning ways by beating Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0 in the Champions League.
After suffering a disappointing defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League, Mikel Arteta’s side bounced back.
The Gunners welcomed Shakhtar to the Emirates on match day three of the Champions League, winning 1-0 thanks to an own goal courtesy of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.
It wasn’t a breathtaking night for Arsenal, but a win was essential ahead of the blockbuster clash against Liverpool in N5 on Sunday afternoon.
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Five things missed from Arsenal win vs Shakhtar Donetsk
A win was necessary however, Arteta will have to see a significant improvement from his side if they are to get the better of Liverpool at the Emirates.
Despite being dominant, the hosts showed little sign of blowing Shakhtar away, which should come as a worry to the manager given the potential to restore faith on the night after losing to Bournemouth.
On an evening that filled the Emirates with anxiety due to both the performance and Riccardo Calafiori’s injury, here’s five things you might have missed.
Leandro Trossard’s corner-taking routine
One of the talking points of a fairly uneventful evening was Leandro Trossard’s inability to score from the penalty spot.
The Belgian stepped up in the second half to take a penalty awarded after VAR review, missing the chance to put Arsenal 2-0 up as Riznyk made the save.
Trossard’s penalty blunder wasn’t the only aspect of his game that generated attention, as the forward was spotted to take a corner with his weaker foot.
The former Brighton ace channelled his inner Santi Cazorla and opted for an inswinger in a bid to trouble the opposition, something that didn’t work as well as when Bukayo Saka is behind the ball.
Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk in attendance
Away from the pitch there was some attention in the stands as Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk made the trip to North London to watch the Gunners take on his former club.
The Ukrainian could have been involved in the match, as he so nearly joined Arteta’s project in 2023 from Shakhtar although Arsenal might be thankful that he chose Chelsea.
It was a memorable night for the 23-year-old nonetheless, as he was one of many Ukrainian figures at the Emirates to watch his courageous former team battle in the Champions League.
Arsenal’s message to Lukas Podolski
Mudryk wasn’t the only notable figure present at the game, as Arsenal welcomed former Gunner Lukas Podolski back to North London.
The World Cup winner returned to his ex-club after hanging up his boots, as Podolski officially retired earlier this month after playing a testimonial with his boyhood club Koln.
Before the action, Arsenal’s media team penned a brief message to the 39-year-old to announce his attendance, taking to X to say, “Welcome back home, Poldi.”
Possible test run for Liverpool in the second half
Perhaps one of the most concerning things about the lacklustre display was when the game was viewed with Liverpool in mind.
Arsenal host Arne Slot’s in-formm side on Sunday afternoon, with Arteta possibly trialling his XI to face the Reds during the second half against Shakhtar.
Ben White came off at half time as Mikel Merino was introduced and Thomas Partey moved to right-back, something that could happen in the next game.
There’s still no sign of Jurrien Timber returning and with William Saliba suspended, White could head into central defence to see Partey take up the role at right-back.
Partey has been in stellar form of late although, the Ghanaian offers significantly less of a threat on the overlap, and certainly doesn’t have the pace to keep the likes of Mohamed Salah at bay.
Martin Odegaard watched on with Kieran Tierney
On the subject of players who could miss the clash with Liverpool, Martin Odegaard was spotted watching on in the stands alongside another familiar face.
Kieran Tierney sat with the captain to oversee the action against Shakhtar, with the two players having to watch from afar as they both nurse injuries.
Odegaard will be hopeful of returning next month after suffering an ankle injury in September, while there’s little to suggest that Tierney will make a return any time soon, as the defender remains on the outskirts of Arteta’s squad.
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