MIKEL ARTETA and Arsenal fans were left scratching their heads after Kai Havertz was denied the chance to make history.
The Gunners claimed a narrow 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk as a first-half Gabriel Martinelli strike cannoned off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk and into the goal after hitting the post.
The hosts were on top for most of the game, but had a few late scares.
That could have been avoided when Arsenal were given the chance to double the lead from the penalty spot with 15 minutes to go.
A VAR review had revealed that Valeriy Bondar had handled the ball in the box.
However, with the North Londoners usual takers Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard sidelined through injury, it was left to a new star to take on the mantle.
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Havertz, 25, appeared to be the obvious choice, given he had scored 20 of his 21 career penalties.
The German was set to match an all-time club record by Thierry Henry by scoring in eight consecutive home games.
But surprisingly, it was team-mate Leandro Trossard who stepped up to take the kick.
Yet the Belgian – who was already enduring a below par night – fluffed his lines as his weak strike down the middle of the goal was saved by Riznyk.
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Arsenal held on to their win and clean sheet thanks to some late heroics from David Raya, though Arteta might have wished his team had added a layer of comfort.
Speaking after the game, Arteta admitted he was not sure what the reason was behind the decision.
He told Amazon Prime Sport: “I don’t know.
“I don’t know the conversation because he’s one of the takers but Leo decided to take it. Okay, he missed it, [but] that’s it unfortunately.”
Speaking in his post-match press conference he doubled down on the answer, adding: “They made a decision. The penalty takers normally are Bukayo and Martin. Unfortunately Leo missed it.”
Reacting to the penalty miss on social media, one fan said: “You get a penalty and give it to Trossard yet your best penalty taker (Havertz) is on pitch. We can really take risks and that’s not acceptable.”
A second said: “Havertz has scored 20 of the 21 penalties he’s taken in his career. Why was Trossard taking it?”
A third added: “Havertz is way too nice too. Should have snatched the ball straight away from Trossard.”
Despite continuing their unbeaten Champions League run, the Shakhtar win has proven costly with Riccardo Calafiori now looking set for a spell on the sidelines after going off injured.
With Arsenal also confirming yesterday they would not appeal William Saliba’s red card from the Bournemouth game, it means they will be without a number of key stars as they host Liverpool on Sunday.
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Arteta described Calafiori’s injury as worrying, while he has also cast doubt on Bukayo Saka’s availability for the match.
With Jurrien Timber and Martin Odegaard also sidelined, they could be without as many as six first team stars against the Premier League leaders.
Arsenal ratings vs Shakhtar: Jesus reminds fans of his quality but Trossard flops for poor Gunners
ARSENAL continued their unbeaten run in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk – but it was far from a convincing performance.
Gabriel Martinelli orchestrated the decisive goal when his low-driven strike hit the post and deflected in off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.
Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners…
DAVID RAYA – 7
Seldom asked to do much aside from recycle the ball to Gabriel or Saliba until the final stages
Pushed a potentially dangerous cross out of danger in the 84th minute. Pulled out a magnificent low save in injury time before claiming a dangerous cross to keep his clean sheet.
BEN WHITE – 6
Back in at right-back today and played as if he had never been out of the team.
Received a yellow card in the 34th minute. Subbed at half-time for Mikel Merino.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 7
In the team after his red card against Bournemouth, played like his typically assured self marshalling the defence.
One or two sloppy passes late in the second half but otherwise can have no complaints with another solid performance.
GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5
Sloppily gave the ball away to hand the visitors a dangerous chance out of nothing. Had another lapse just after the opener but in the end he was bailed out by Calafiori.
Marked improvement in the second half.
RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6
Skied a golden chance over the bar after six minutes. Tested the goalkeeper again after 24 minutes.
Dragged his foot and went down injured after skipping under a tackle in the 67th minute. Replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly in 71st minute.
THOMAS PARTEY – 6
Comfortable evening in midfield for him. Recycled the ball well when at his feet and kept play ticking over.
Moved to right back as White was hooked but didn’t have too many worries. When he was caught out of position Rice was able to cover.
DECLAN RICE – 6
Like Partey, he had a quiet night in midfield with Shakhtar unable to retain meaningful possession.
Moved into the six as White was hooked and Partey moved to right-back. Cut out a dangerous low cross at the edge of the area.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4
Nothing quite went right for him all night with some sloppy touches ending attacks and putting Arsenal in trouble.
Summed up his night by missing a 77th minute penalty and was hooked in the 88th minute.
GABRIEL JESUS – 8
Wore the captain’s armband and looked bright down the right wing.
Denied a well-deserved goal by the feet of the keeper in the 43rd minute after Havertz played him in.
Second half saw more good link play, but never had another chance to end his goal drought as he was replaced by Sterling in the 68th minute.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7
Grew into the game following a quiet start and was rewarded with a goal, of sorts, after 30 minutes.
Brazilian cut inside from the left wing before firing a shot to the near post before the shot rebounded off the woodwork and hit the goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk to go in the net.
KAI HAVERTZ – 7
Centimeters away from getting Arsenal’s second in the 39th minute after Jesus squared a volley back across goal.
Returned the favour to set up his team-mate moments later only for the goalkeeper to prevent a goal.
Won a free-kick at the very end of the game to run the clock down.
SUBS
Mikel Merino (on for White HT) – 6
Some nice touches and stitched play together well. A solid yet unspectacular performance.
Raheem Sterling (on for Jesus 68 mins) – 6
Tried to play on the shoulder of the last man but did not have the pace find the clear cut chance he would have liked.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (on for Calafiori 71 mins) – 6
Slotted in at left-back and was not afraid to show for the ball but often did not receive it while tucking infield.
Jorginho (on for Trossard 88 mins) – N/A
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
