Football

TO PUT it lightly, Mikel Arteta has found Arsenal’s recent red card flurry a right pain in the backside.So, this largely uneventful and uninspiring Champions League victory lacking any thrills, spills or early showers would have come as a slight relief for the Gunners boss.Arsenal just about got back to winning waysCredit: ReutersGabriel Martinelli’s low strike thumped the base of the postCredit: Amazon Prime VideoThe ball bounced back off Shakhtar Donetsk goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk into the back of the netCredit: AFPHowever, the Arsenal medical team continue to be kept busy with yet more untimely injury woe on the horizon – Riccardo Calafiori potentially the latest victim.Gabriel Martinelli’s 29th-minute strike typified the quality of this contest, cutting inside and seeing his tame effort deflected on to the base of the post then back off Shakhtar Donetsk keeper Dmytro Riznyk’s bottom and in.As the Emirates faithful continue to sing around here: 1-0 to the Arsenal.It should have been more but for Leandro Trossard’s missed penalty in the 77th minute, making what should have been a comfortable night slightly awkward, and generally tedious.READ MORE ON ARSENALNot exactly the ideal response following an away-day flop, but job done – just.Arteta had spent the build-up to this clash defending his side’s discipline in the aftermath of William Saliba’s first-half dismissal in the 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth last weekend.That made it three reds in six Prem games, costing them seven points in the process. The outing at the Cherries was Arsenal’s first loss for six months.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt was therefore imperative to avoid another bum note of a result, even if both the performance and atmosphere were both severely lacking for a European night under the lights.That will not overly concern Arteta. Did officials cheat Arsenal with dramatic Man City winner and Saliba red card?This below-par win makes it seven points from a possible nine in a new format that requires teams to play the long game to qualify.And on Sunday with Arne Slot’s shock title chasers Liverpool in town, this place will be rocking and raving at the prospect of closing the gap up at the top of the table.There were some positives. Martinelli looks back to his sharp and fizzing best down the left flank, involved in a third goal in his last five games in all competitions.But Arteta still has some headaches to contend with. Skipper Martin Odegaard and star boy Bukayo Saka are major doubts to face the Reds, alongside the suspended Saliba.There were also some casualties from this one. Ben White was taken off at half-time for an unknown reason and Calafiori was also forced off with a jarred knee.And then there is the issue of Gabriel Jesus. On just his fourth start this term, this was a chance for the Brazilian to end the most unwanted of runs in front of goal.Since netting away at Nottingham Forest on January 30, Jesus had gone 22 games, 266 days and 732 minutes without scoring.And yet again, that streak was extended, the slump continues, even against his favourite opposition – a side only Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more goals against in this competition.And with Arteta returning to a 4-4-2 set-up after his Mikel Merino experiment failed against Bournemouth, he isn’t even trusted to play as a striker any more, instead chucked out on the wing, albeit wearing the captain’s armband.Not that he did not have chances – good chances – but this is clearly a player inside his own head, overthinking every shot, every touch and searching desperately for confidence.With Arsenal’s state of injuries currently, Jesus needs to snap out of that and fast and contribute as much as Martinelli, Trossard and Kai Havertz are currently.Trossard and Havertz combined early on from a corner with Calafiori blazing over from six yards out.Shakhtar were struggling with the early intensity in front of their 3,000 travelling fans.In their first Euro game on English soil in nearly five years, manager Marino Pushych insisted there was no time for excuses, despite their troubled 13-hour journey over from war-torn Ukraine.Arsenal ratings vs Shakhtar: Jesus reminds fans of his quality but Trossard flops for poor GunnersARSENAL 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 – 7Seldom asked to do much aside from recycle the ball to Gabriel or Saliba until the final stagesPushed 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 – 6Back 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 – 7In 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 – 5Sloppily 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 – 6Skied 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 – 6Comfortable 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 – 6Like 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 – 4Nothing 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 – 8Wore 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 – 7Grew 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 – 7Centimeters 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.SUBSMikel Merino (on for White HT) – 6Some nice touches and stitched play together well. A solid yet unspectacular performance.Raheem Sterling (on for Jesus 68 mins) – 6Tried 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) – 6Slotted 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/AValeriy Bondar was penalised for the handballCredit: PALeandro Trossard stepped up to take the spot-kickCredit: PABut it was saved by Riznyk’s outstretched feetCredit: ReutersBut Arsenal too were sloppy. White and Saliba falling asleep at times to gift Eguinaldo a sniff of goal and a rare foray forward.Wasted opportunities were coming and going until Martinelli’s huge slice of luck to calm the nerves as the hosts took the lead.He was at it again two minutes later and Declan Rice squared for Havertz but for some good defending before being denied a close-range diving header from Shakhtar skipper Mykola Matviyenko.Jesus missed a few sitters inside the box. Nothing he touches ripples the net right now.There was a reshuffle at the break with White mysteriously subbed, forcing Thomas Partey into right-back and Merino on for some more game time at his new club.Arsenal were struggling for tempo, even after Trossard flicked a header just wide, but were given the perfect antidote via a VAR-assisted decision to award a spot-kick for an unfortunate handball from Merino’s cross.READ MORE SUN STORIESTrossard stepped up, but could only find the legs of Riznyk. For Arteta’s sake, he needs to put this game, this performance, well and truly behind him.The Belgian had his head in his handsCredit: RexRiccardo Calafiori hobbled off injuredCredit: ReutersChelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk was in the stands to watch his old teamCredit: Getty More

CHELSEA winger Mykhailo Mudryk was at the Emirates Stadium this evening to watch Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk.The 23-year-old spent five years with Shakhtar before completing his £88million transfer to Chelsea last January.Mykhailo Mudryk was spotted at the Emirates StadiumCredit: Amazon PrimeMudryk was cheering on his old team Shakhtar vs ArsenalCredit: GettyDuring that period he scored 12 goals and provided 17 assists in 44 appearances for the Ukrainian side.His impressive form attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs – including Arsenal.The Gunners pushed to sign him at the start of 2023 before Chelsea swooped in to hijack the deal.Almost two years on from his failed move to north London, Mudryk has been spotted at the Emirates Stadium.Read More in FootballThe winger watched Arsenal face his former side in the Champions League from a box.Mudryk has endured an underwhelming time at Chelsea since joining.In 66 appearances for the Blues, the Ukraine international has scored just seven goals.Enzo Maresca cast doubts on his potential during a press conference last month.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “I don’t think it’s a lack of confidence. Misha is Misha.”You have to accept the way he is. Hopefully he can get minutes and do better.”Mykhailo Mudryk reveals his cheat meal and best Chelsea pals in Q&A Maresca’s comments sparked uncertainty about Mudryk’s future at Stamford Bridge.Arsenal ratings vs Shakhtar: Jesus reminds fans of his quality but Trossard flops for poor GunnersARSENAL 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 – 7Seldom asked to do much aside from recycle the ball to Gabriel or Saliba until the final stagesPushed 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 – 6Back 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 – 7In 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 – 5Sloppily 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 – 6Skied 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 – 6Comfortable 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 – 6Like 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 – 4Nothing 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 – 8Wore 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 – 7Grew 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 – 7Centimeters 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.SUBSMikel Merino (on for White HT) – 6Some nice touches and stitched play together well. A solid yet unspectacular performance.Raheem Sterling (on for Jesus 68 mins) – 6Tried 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) – 6Slotted 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 More

ARSENAL star Riccardo Calafiori hobbled off injured against Shakhtar Donetsk.The Gunners won their third Champions League game of the season 1-0 – but the victory was dampened due to the defender appearing to hurt his knee.Riccardo Calafiori appeared to hurt his knee vs ShakhtarCredit: GettyThe defender receieved treatment but could not continueCredit: GettyHe hobbled off and was replaced by Myles Lewis-SkellyCredit: GettyWith 68 minutes on the clock, Calafiori slipped and appeared to twist his leg on his way down.The Italian briefly tried to soldier on after receiving treatment but immediately signalled to the bench that he would have to come off.Team-mates Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard consoled him while he grimaced. Calafiori was replaced by wonderkid Myles Lewis-Skelly.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the 18-year-old’s introduction was delayed after the fourth official demanded he took out an ear piercing.Calafiori has struggled with knee issues already this season and was seen wearing strapping after the win over Leicester in September.His injury could speed up the return of Oleksandr Zinchenko from a knock.The Ukrainian was named on the bench tonight but deemed not fit enough to play.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSZinchenko has not been seen since featuring for ten minutes in the 1-1 draw with Brighton back in August.Arsenal welcome Liverpool to North London on Sunday in a huge game in the race for the Premier League title.Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori reveals he learned English through Netflix and drill music Mikel Arteta called Calafiori’s injury a “worry” after tonight’s win but did not rule him out the weekend’s game.But he revealed Saka was “unlikely” to feature as he is yet to train since sustaining a hamstring issue.Arsenal ratings vs Shakhtar: Jesus reminds fans of his quality but Trossard flops for poor GunnersARSENAL 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 – 7Seldom asked to do much aside from recycle the ball to Gabriel or Saliba until the final stagesPushed 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 – 6Back 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 – 7In 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 – 5Sloppily 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 – 6Skied 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 – 6Comfortable 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 – 6Like 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 – 4Nothing 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 – 8Wore 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 – 7Grew 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 – 7Centimeters 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.SUBSMikel Merino (on for White HT) – 6Some nice touches and stitched play together well. A solid yet unspectacular performance.Raheem Sterling (on for Jesus 68 mins) – 6Tried 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) – 6Slotted 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 More

A TEENAGE sensation heartbreakingly had a record-breaking debut Champions League goal ruled out just minutes into his first game.Francesco Camarda took to the field during AC Milan’s 3-1 win over Club Brugge.Francesco Camarda thought he had become the Champions League’s youngest goalscorerCredit: GettyHis AC Milan team-mates lifted him up highCredit: GettyThe joy was ripped away when VAR showed he was offsideCredit: GettyAged just 16 years and 226 days, the youngster replaced Alvaro Morata up front for the Italian giants at the San Siro for the final quarter of an hour.In doing so, he became the youngest Italian and youngest AC Milan player in Champions League history – and just seventh overall. And he thought his dream debut had turned into real-life fantasy just 12 minutes after taking to the field. That is because ‘next Erling Haaland’ Camarda lost his marker in the middle of the area and headed a cross beyond Simon Mignolet.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe teenager immediately sprinted away in celebration, ripping off his shirt and then sliding on his knees on the famous San Siro pitch.The adoring crowd went wild, thinking one of their own had become the Champions League’s youngest scorer ever – eclipsing Ansu Fati’s record of 17 years and 40 days. Camarda – a transfer target for Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham – was even hoisted up by his jubilant team-mates as he beat his chest for the fans.However, his moment of sheer delight was ripped away from him in devastating fashion.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBecause the semi-automated offside technology showed the striker had drifted just off – and therefore the goal was chalked off.To make matters worse, Camarda got dealt with a double-whammy because it appears he received a yellow card for his topless celebration.How Liverpool outsmarted Chelsea with Slot’s genius ‘traffic jam’ trick and Curtis Jones masterclassCamarda came to fans’ attention a few years ago with his outrageous numbers in the AC Milan academy.He scored a whopping 247 goals in 40 games in 2017-18, 172 in 31 in 2018-19 and 64 in 16 games in 2019-20.That totalled 483 goals in 87 matches – at an average of 5.5 per game. AC Milan had to get special permission from the Italian Football Federation to select him in the squad for a Serie A game last November when he was still only 15.And he made his first-team bow as the league’s youngest debutant aged 15 years and 260 days. While Mignolet got a reprieve for the Camarda header, he was not so fortunate for his howler in the first half.Christian Pulisic scored directly from a corner as the ball evaded everyone – including the former Liverpool goalkeeper who flapped as the ball flew past him.Camarda came on for Alvaro Morata on 75 minutesCredit: GettyCamarda slid on his knees after taking his shirt offCredit: GettyCamarda’s pals mobbed him after the goalCredit: EPAThe referee signalled the goal could not standCredit: X @footballontntThe youngster was booked for taking his shirt offCredit: GettyChristian Pulisic consoled the teenCredit: RexMilan manager Paulo Fonseca also tried to comfort his young sensationCredit: Getty More