Arsenal vs Shakhtar LIVE: Champions League result and reaction ...

Arsenal earned another three points in the Champions League league phase with a less than comfortable 1-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners needed a win after their defeat to Bournemouth last Saturday and their desire to score was evident throughout a dominant first half. They had 22 attacks and created eight attempts with Declan Rice, Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard all coming close.

It was Gabriel Martinelli who broke the deadlock with what proved to be the decisive strike. The Brazilian cut in from the left and struck a fine effort onto the post. The rebounded and hit Shakhtar goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk on the back before bobbling over the line.

In the second half Arsenal were awarded a penalty for a handball following a VAR check but Leandro Trossard has his effort stopped by Riznyk in some redemption for the keeper. Shakhtar then fought back well and the signs were strong that an equaliser was coming.

It wasn’t to be though with David Raya leaping to the left to make a fine save late in the game to give Arsenal the win.

Relive the action with our live blog below:

Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk LIVE

• REPORT: Arsenal’s Champions League win comes at a cost to increase injury headache

• Arsenal defeat Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League at the Emirates

• 90+3 SAVE! Raya pulls off a great save late in the game (ARS 1-0 SHK)

• 77’ SAVE! Riznyk denies Trossard from the spot (ARS 1-0 SHK)

• 75’ PENALTY! A handball gives Arsenal a lifeline (ARS 1-0 SHK)

• 42’ SAVE! Riznyk sticks out a leg to stop Jesus (ARS 1-0 SHK)

• 39’ CHANCE! Matviyenko denies Havertz a certain goal (ARS 1-0 SHK)

• 29’ GOAL! Martinelli’s shot goes in off the back of the goalkeeper (ARS 1-0 SHK)

• 6’ CLOSE! Calafiori lifts a shot over the bar (ARS 0-0 SHK)

Arsenal’s Champions League win comes at a cost to increase injury headache

22:45 , Mike Jones

If there is a sense of apprehension around Arsenal at the moment, it went up a level late in the second half of this nervy 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League. The sight of Riccardo Calafiori hobbling off after an awkward slip and becoming the latest addition to their lengthy injury list gives Mikel Arteta another headache ahead of facing Liverpool on Sunday. “He felt something,” Arteta said afterwards. “Not great news.”

His side had to dig in here to claim another three points in the Champions League against a resolute Shakhtar team. There was a dip in energy after Calafiori’s injury, another after Leandro Trossard’s penalty was saved in the 75th minute. Not for the first time in this Champions League, Arsenal were indebted to David Raya, whose strong arm denied a dipping shot from Pedrinho in the 92nd minute. It denied what would have been a famous point for the Ukrainian side.

Arsenal’s Champions League win comes at a cost to increase injury headache

Mikel Arteta reacts to Arsenal win

22:33 , Mike Jones

Here’s the Arsenal manager giving his reaction to Amazon Prime Video:

Aston Villa take unlikely position as Unai Emery allows fans to dream again

22:25 , Mike Jones

Aston Villa could be forgiven for printing out the table, framing it and nailing it to the wall. The club who conquered the continent in 1982 have rarely hinted at scaling such heights since. Yet a chant broke out in the Holte End after Jhon Duran had doubled their lead and as Real Madrid cancelled out and wiped away Borussia Dortmund’s advantage in the Bernabeu. “We are top of the league,” they chanted. They are, and the league in question is the Champions League.

Villa have had plenty of proof of the progress they have made under Unai Emery. Yet as the Spaniard approaches the second anniversary of his appointment, the standings provide some of the most startling. In danger of relegation from the Premier League when Emery arrived, the club from the Second City are first in Europe now, at the summit of a 36-team division. It may only be for 24 hours but it is a stunning sight.

Aston Villa take unlikely position as Unai Emery allows fans to dream again

Aston Villa top table

22:21 , Mike Jones

Aston Villa defeated Bolgona 2-0 at Villa Park tonight and now sit top of the Champions League table with three wins from three. Unai Emery is working magic in European competition yet again.

Arsenal meanwhile are fourth with seven points. Mikel Arteta will be pleased with that at this stage.

‘We know his quality'

22:16 , Mike Jones

Martinelli also addressed Leandro Trossard’s penalty miss saying: “He could’ve scored but we are behind him, supporting him. We know his quality and we go again. I’m sure he’s going to play well in the next game.”

Martinelli reacts to Arsenal win

22:13 , Mike Jones

Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli gave his reaction to beating Shakhtar. In his post match interview he said: “Most important thing is to win. We knew how tough they are and we came here to win the game and we did it. We wanted to score more but we won the game and that’s the most important thing.

“It was my goal! It doesn’t matter if it was mine or an own goal, the most important thing is the win and we are really happy.

“We’ve lost some players but we know our qualities and that it’s tough to play in the Champions League. We didn’t have a good result in the last game in the Premier League and we came here to win and we did just that.”

Martinelli wins player of the match

22:12 , Mike Jones

Gabriel Martinelli was given the player of the match award. Arsenal manager said he played ‘really good’ and ‘looked sharp’ after picking up a niggle with the Brazilian national team.

Martinelli was behind the only goal of the game and created a lot of chances for the Gunners.

FT Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar

22:05 , Mike Jones

FT Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar

22:03 , Mike Jones

Arsenal earned another three points in the Champions League league phase with a less than comfortable 1-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners needed a win after their defeat to Bournemouth last Saturday and their desire to score was evident throughout a dominant first half. They had 22 attacks and created eight attempts with Declan Rice, Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard all coming close.

It was Gabriel Martinelli who broke the deadlock with what proved to be the decisive strike. The Brazilian cut in from the left and struck a fine effort onto the post. The rebounded and hit Shakhtar goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk on the back before bobbling over the line.

In the second half Arsenal were awarded a penalty for a handball following a VAR check but Leandro Trossard has his effort stopped by Riznyk in some redemption for the keeper. Shakhtar then fought back well and the signs were strong that an equaliser was coming.

It wasn’t to be though with David Raya leaping to the left to make a fine save late in the game to give Arsenal the win.

Full-time! Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar

21:54 , Mike Jones

90+6 mins: There goes the final whistle! Arsenal have hung on for a solid win. They get through a test and now prepare for Liverpool at the weekend.

Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar

21:50 , Mike Jones

90+3 mins: Save!

What a moment from David Raya. Shakhtar continue to knock on the door with substitute Pedrinho taking a shot from outside the box. It’s swerving and dipping, heading for the bottom corner but Raya leaps to the left and palms the ball out of play.

Another huge moment and Arsenal’s goalkeeper keeps them in the lead.

Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar

21:47 , Mike Jones

90 mins: Six minutes of added time to play!

Can Shakhtar get an equaliser?

Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar

21:46 , Mike Jones

89 mins: Nearly! Martinelli floats another ball into the box. Declan Rice is there this time and can only toe a soft effort at the goalkeeper.

Time is almost up.

Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar

21:44 , Mike Jones

86 mins: Mikel Arteta is now just focused on getting this win over the line. Arsenal dominated the first half but Shakhtar have fought back in the second.

It’s been a very strong response from the visitors who, on reflection, probably deserve a goal in this half.

Arsenal are bringing on Jorginho to replace Trossard.

Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar

21:40 , Mike Jones

83 mins: Pedro Henrique bombs forward down the left and lifts a cross into the box. David Raya parries it away but only puts the ball in the middle of the 18-yard box.

Luckily the first man to it is an Arsenal one and the ball is hooked clear.

Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar

21:38 , Mike Jones

80 mins: Into the last 10 minutes now and this is where things start to get nervy. Arsenal keep putting themselves under pressure with simple passing errors and mistakes.

Shakhtar believe they can get back into this one.

SAVED! Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar

21:34 , Mike Jones

77 mins: Denied!

Dmytro Riznyk hangs out his legs as Leandro Trossard goes down the middle. It’s not a great penalty and the Shakhtar goalkeeper comes up trumps to keep his team in touch.

Big moment.

Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar

21:32 , Mike Jones

75 mins: The do! Penalty to Arsenal.

Leandro Trossard is stepping up to take it.

Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar

21:32 , Mike Jones

74 mins: Now then.

There’s a VAR review happening for a handball against one of the Shakhtar defenders. This was ignored on the field but the referee has been called over for a look.

Arsenal may have a penalty here...

Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar

21:28 , Mike Jones

69 mins: Calafiori doesn’t look quite right. He’s got a furrowed brow and seems to have a niggle after that tackle from Eguinaldo.

Miles Lewis-Skelly is called on to replace him and this will be a test for the youngster as Arsenal attempt to close out this match.

Shakhtar are just finding some momentum.

Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar

21:23 , Mike Jones

66 mins: Calafiori is bungled off the ball by Eguinaldo who nicks it deep in the Gunners’ half and looks to have left a bit on the defender.

A proper chance doesn’t develop but it’s a warning sign at 1-0. This game hasn’t been won yet.

Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar

21:20 , Mike Jones

60 mins: An hour played at the Emirates and Mikel Arteta is considering some substitutions. He’s sent a few players out to warm up.

Arsenal will want to win this game but they’ve got a big Premier League clash with Liverpool to worry about as well.

Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar

21:16 , Mike Jones

57 mins: Martinelli bounces off Yukhym Konoplia and lifts a cross to the far side of the box aiming for Gabriel Jesus. Jesus is beaten in the air by Pedor Henrique who clears the danger.

It’s been a touch evening for the two full backs from Shakhtar.

Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar

21:14 , Mike Jones

54 mins: Shakhtar defend the corner well enough and come forward. There are spaces opening up in the Arsenal defence with Eguinaldo in particular finding a bit more space in dangerous areas.

Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar

21:10 , Mike Jones

51 mins: Close! Arsenal are piling the pressure on. Kai Havertz is fed down the right side of the pitch and carries the ball into the box.

His pass comes across the area and finds Martinelli who whips a shot straight into the arms of the goalkeeper who palms it wide.

Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar

21:04 , Mike Jones

48 mins: Close!

Riccardo Calafiori spins in the middle of the pitch and creates a touch of space. He drives forward and sends a pass out wide to Gabriel Martinelli.

Martinelli fizzes a cross into the penalty area and Leandro Trossard gets guiding head to the ball but turns it wide of the far post. Good chance.

Second half! Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar

21:02 , Mike Jones

Mikel Arteta has made a change at the break with Ben White taken off and replaced with Mikel Merino. It’s an attacking switch which may prove useful in getting Arsenal more goals.

Thomas Partey looks like he may be dropping into the right back possession to cover for White’s absence.

HT Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar

20:58 , Mike Jones

In the other Champions League tie featuring an English side, Aston Villa are drawing 0-0 with Bologna at Villa Park. There’s been come decent chances for the hosts but they’ve been a touch wasteful in front of goal.

HT Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar

20:54 , Mike Jones

Arsenal have had 29 attacks at the Shakhtar defence with eight of them resulting in an attempt at goal. They’ve dominated possession with 63% in their favour and have only allowed the Ukranian side to take two attempts at goal.

A very strong performance from the Gunners so far.

HT Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar

20:50 , Mike Jones

A great first half for Arsenal. Can they repeat it in the second 45 minutes at the Emirates?

Half-time! Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar

20:46 , Mike Jones

45+1 mins: A totally dominant first half from Arsenal who are very comfortable for their one goal lead. They’re trying to add to that tally whilst being frustrated by a stubborn Shakhtar defence.

There’s been very little in return. Mikel Arteta will be pleased.

Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar

20:44 , Mike Jones

42 mins: Arsenal want more. They’re hungry for goals and work the ball into the box for Jesus who blazes an effort at goal only for Riznyk to deny the Gunners’ captain from close range.

Great save!

Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar

20:41 , Mike Jones

39 mins: Chance!

Martinelli flicks a cross over to the far post where Gabriel Jesus has the awareness to nod it back across the penalty area towards Kai Havertz.

Havertz throws himself at the ball looking for the header but Mykola Matviyenko gets there just ahead of him and manages to poke the ball into space.

If Havertz won that duel it was 2-0 Arsenal. Important clearance from the Shakhtar captain.

Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar

20:37 , Mike Jones

36 mins: Arsenal’s goal has officially been recorded as an own goal from Shakhtar goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk. That’s a touch unfortunate for him as he knew little about it once Martinelli’s shot had beaten him.

So far so good for Arsenal. A second goal may force a change in tactics from the visitors.

Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar

20:35 , Mike Jones

33 mins: Close!

Declan Rice makes a run from deep and gets fed into the left side of the box. He pulls it across the penalty area looking for Kai Havertz but Dmytro Riznyk gets there first and sweeps the ball away.

He takes a knock in the process and needs a breather.

GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar (Gabriel Martinell, 29 mins)

20:31 , Mike Jones

There’s the goal!

Gabriel Martinelli receives the ball on the left side of the pitch and decides to cut inside. As he does so Riccardo Calafiori makes an underlapping run to draw away the nearest defender.

That leaves Martinelli with time to shoot and he strikes the near post. The goalkeeper dives across and misses the ball but the rebound sees it hit him in the back and deflect back over the line!

It’s lucky for Arsenal but they’re ahead.

Arsenal 0-0 Shakhtar

20:29 , Mike Jones

26 mins: Arsenal are still hoping for creativity in the final third. Where will it come from?

They’re bossing this game and need to capitalise.

Arsenal 0-0 Shakhtar

20:25 , Mike Jones

23 mins: Calafiori takes a similar shot to Rice and scuffs a low effort at goal just after Leandro Trossard had turned a pass wide of the target.

Calafiori’s effort finishes in the arms of the goalkeeper but it’s another instant of Arsenal getting into good areas but being unable to finish off the move.

Arsenal 0-0 Shakhtar

20:21 , Mike Jones

20 mins: Shot!

Declan Rice is encouraged to shoot from range by the home fans and decides to give them what they want. He rolls the ball onto his right foot from about 25-yards out and lets fly only to pull the ball wide of the target.

Arsenal 0-0 Shakhtar

20:17 , Mike Jones

17 mins: Promising from Shakhtar.

The move the ball brilliantly to feed it up to Danylo Sikan. He runs towards the box and draws in a couple of defenders before squaring a pass over to Eguinaldo.

He shoots but a deflection takes the ball out for a corner and Arsenal defend it well.

Arsenal 0-0 Shakhtar

20:15 , Mike Jones

15 mins: Quarter of an hour played and the match has settled into a steady tempo. Declan Rice is doing a lot of work in midfield trying to link up play and provide an option with runs into the box.

Martinelli swings a cross in from the left but Havertz can’t get a head to the ball.

Arsenal 0-0 Shakhtar

20:13 , Mike Jones

12 mins: Arsenal have started this game strongly and have controlled possession. They’re utilising the wide areas with Martinelli and Jesus sticking close to the touch lines.

The thought process is to spread the Ukranian defence and attempt to get in behind with Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard penetrating from the centre.

Shakhtar are making it tough with a back five defence though.

Arsenal 0-0 Shakhtar

20:10 , Mike Jones

9 mins: Eguinaldo tries to scuttle into Arsenal’s box in a rare forward move from the visitors but he’s hounded away on the edge of the box by William Saliba and Gabriel.

The Gunners turn over possession and immediatel push Shakhtar back into their own final third.

Arsenal 0-0 Shakhtar

20:06 , Mike Jones

6 mins: Strong pressure from Kai Havertz means Ben White can intercept a pass high up the pitch. He rolls it over to Leandro Trossard who flicks one round the corner for Havertz on his way into the box.

A couple of touches later and Arsenal win another corner. The first one is nodded behind for a second attempt. Trossard flicks the set piece to the near post where the ball is guided down towards Riccardo Calafiori.

He’s leaning back as he takes the shot and lifts his effort voer the crossbar!

Arsenal 0-0 Shakhtar

20:03 , Mike Jones

3 mins: After the corner is defended, Declan Rice sprays the ball across the pitch and finds Gabriel Jesus on the right wing. Arsenal’s captain attempts to feed a pass through to Kai Havertz but the ball is blocked.

Jesus receives it back and lays off to Ben White who gets taken out. Or so he thinks, the referee believes otherwise and lets play go on with Shakhtar looking to counter-attack.

Kick off! Arsenal 0-0 Shakhtar

20:01 , Mike Jones

The visitors get the ball rolling and boot it long over to the right side of the pitch. The ball comes all the way through to David Raya and Arsenal sweep quickly up the pitch.

They feed Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing and the brazilian scurries into the box and wins a corner.

Arsenal v Shakhtar

19:56 , Mike Jones

The players are waiting in the tunnel ready to head out at the Emirates.

Gabriel Jesus is leading the Gunners tonight in the absence of Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka. Will Arsenal get back to winning ways?

We’re about to find out...

Arsenal vs Shakhtar

19:50 , Mike Jones

Getting ready for tonight’s action:

Can Gunners fire again?

19:45 , Mike Jones

After slipping to a 2-0 Premier League defeat at Bournemouth on Saturday, when defender William Saliba was shown a controversial red card in the first half to see their unbeaten start abruptly end.

Arsenal have the chance to get themselves back on track against Shakhtar Donetsk at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night. Mikel Arteta’s side have impressed in Europe so far, beating Paris St Germain in the last round of games.

Shakhtar, meanwhile, are yet to score in their two Champions League fixtures – but come to London on the back of successive wins in the Ukrainian Premier League.

Will Shakhtar avoid defeat at the Emirates?

19:40 , Mike Jones

The draw with Manchester City in November 2019 ended Shakhtar’s run of six successive losses in England, and was only the second time they have avoided defeat in their nine games there, in which they conceded 24 goals.

Shakhtar versus English teams

19:35 , Mike Jones

Shakhtar’s last games against Premier League opponents came in the 2019/20 group stage, when they lost 0-3 at home to Manchester City before a 1-1 away draw.

A 2-1 win at home to City in 2017/18 is Shakhtar’s only success in their last nine games against English clubs (D2 L6) – they have lost five of the last seven.

Back in the Champions League

19:30 , Mike Jones

Having not featured in the Champions League proper between 2016/17 and 2023/24, Arsenal are making their second successive appearance.

This is the Gunners’ 21st Champions League campaign – second only to Manchester United’s 25 among English clubs – but only their second in eight seasons.

The 2016/17 season had been their 19th in a row, all under Arsene Wenger.

Havertz or Henry?

19:25 , Mike Jones

Kai Havertz is looking to become the fourth Arsenal player – and first since Thierry Henry in 2000 – to score in a club-record eight successive home games.

Arsenal vs Shakhtar

19:20 , Mike Jones

This will be the fifth meeting between the sides in the Champions League. The first came back in September 2000, when Arsenal came from behind to prevail 3-2.

A late Martin Keown brace completed the turnaround.

Oleksandr Zinchenko says Man City kept him on ‘academy wages’ for three years

19:15 , Mike Jones

Oleksandr Zinchenko has revealed Manchester City kept him on an “academy contract” during his first three seasons at the club, despite playing a part in two title-winning campaigns.

Zinchenko joined City in 2016 from Russian club Ufa, having been spotted by club scouts a year earlier playing in the Youth Champions League for Shakhtar Donetsk against his current club, Arsenal.

The Ukrainian jumped at the chance to join City but says he was initially told he would be on youth wages until he broke into the first team. He was sent on loan to Dutch club PSV before returning to win back-to-back Premier Leagues under Pep Guardiola, but claims he was still not awarded a professional contract until June 2019.

Oleksandr Zinchenko says Man City kept him on ‘academy wages’ for three years

Merino on Arsenal’s mentality

19:10 , Mike Jones

More from Mikel Merino who spoke about Arsenal’s mentality in the build-up to tonight’s Champions League fixture.

“I think we have a pretty complete team and coaching mentality as well,” he said, “We may lack a bit of experience because we have a really young team.

“I’m lucky because I have some experience of keeping that mentality and calmness when you have that moment of truth.”

Fortress Emirates

19:05 , Mike Jones

Arsenal are unbeaten in each of their last 12 European matches on home soil, winning eight and drawing four.

‘We want to win in any context'

19:00 , Mike Jones

Mikel Arteta is still hurting due to Arsenal’s defeat at the weekend and hopes his players have to motivation to get back on track tonight.

"You have a defeat, that’s part of the game, it happens in very specific conditions as well," he said, "Let’s move on, take that pain we still have in the tummy and use it.

"It puts a bit of perspective into the situation. Obviously we want to win in any context. The reality is that we have made that context very difficult for ourselves.

"It was very difficult already with the amount of players that we had out and the schedule and the games that we had to play, but that’s the reality.

"For that game we didn’t get away with it. We could have done and it could have been a very different narrative, but the reality is we didn’t. Another context is that we have lost one game in six months. Now we have to win again."

Arsenal versus Ukranian teams

18:55 , Mike Jones

Arsenal last faced Ukrainian opponents in the 2018/19 Europa League group stage, beating Vorskla Poltava 4-2 at home and 3-0 away – the latter game was Bukayo Saka’s first-team debut.

Their loss at Shakhtar in 2010 is Arsenal’s only defeat in their last seven games against teams from Ukraine (W5 D1) and the only one of the last five they have not won.

The Gunners have recorded five successive victories at home to Ukrainian visitors, scoring 14 goals.

Arsenal team changes

18:51 , Mike Jones

Mikel Arteta makes two changes from the team that lost to Bournemouth on Saturday. Raheem Sterling and Mikel Merino drop out with Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus brought in.

Arsenal vs Shakhtar line-ups

18:50 , Mike Jones

Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Martinelli, Rice, Partey, Trossard; Havertz, Jesus

Shakhtar XI: Riznyk; Konoplia, Bondar, Matviyenko, Pedro Henrique; Kryskiv; Zubkov, Bondarenko, Sudakov, Eguinaldo; Sikan

Ben White sets record straight over whether he ‘hates’ football

18:40 , Mike Jones

Ben White has cleared up confusion over whether he hates football after previously admitting he does not watch it in his downtime.

Footballers are generally presumed to be obssessed with the sport, with many admitting that they spend a lot of their time off watching wahtever game happens to be on TV.

But Arsenal defender White raised eyebrows when he conceded in past interviews that he doesn’t engage with it once he leaves the training ground. The story that he hates the sport also gained traction after he pulled out of the England squad during the 2022 World Cup for personal reasons and went home – amid rumours of a bust-up with Gareth Southgate’s assistant coach Steve Holland, which Southgate always denied.

Ben White sets record straight over whether he ‘hates’ football

‘Winning Champions League would be amazing'

18:35 , Mike Jones

Arsenal midfielder, Mikel Merino, says that winning the Champions League would be amazing and believes his teammates have the mentality to get over the line.

He said: “I’ve been lucky enough to win a lot of trophies in my career. I know the feeling. It’s something you can’t compare with anything else.

“Knowing what this club is about, and how big winning trophies is, winning the Champions League would be amazing. There is still a long way to go, but we have the basics and we have the mentality.”

Arteta on Champions League nights

18:30 , Mike Jones

Mikel Arteta says that his players always have the ‘desire’ to perform well when they take part in Champions League fixtures and he hopes they will feed off the atmosphere of playing in front of a home crowd.

The Gunners boss said: “The desire is always there, and we always want to play these kind of matches. We know the atmosphere is going to be really good tomorrow night so we will try to feed off that and try to win the game.”

Visitors practise at the Emirates

18:25 , Mike Jones

Fact of the day

18:20 , Mike Jones

Arsenal lost 2-1 at home to Auxerre on this day in 2002 in the Champions League, although the return of the inspirational Robert Pires as a substitute following a long-term knee injury lifted the Gunners’ spirits despite their defeat.

They went on to win their group before exiting after the second group stage but they lifted silverware that season in the form of the FA Cup.

Arsenal vs Shakhtar previous meetings

18:15 , Mike Jones

The two teams have faced each other four times with the honours being shared equally with two wins for the Gunners and two for Shakhtar.

Arsenal have been more prolific in front of goal, but only just, with nine goals scored compared to Shakhtar’s eight. This looks like it may be a top quality fixture.

Here are the previous meetings stats:

Matches 4Arsenal wins 2Shakhtar wins 2Draws 0Arsenal goals 9Shakhtar goals 8

Previous Champions League results

18:10 , Mike Jones

Arsenal face Shakhtar Donetsk for the first time in 14 seasons in the league phase of the Champions League.

They were held 0-0 at Atalanta on Matchday 1 before Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka gave the Gunners a statement 2-0 win at home to Paris Saint-Germain in their second fixture.

Meanwhile, their Ukrainian opponents have a single point, drawing 0-0 at Bologna before a 0-3 loss against Atalanta.

How does the Champions League format work in 2024/25?

18:05 , Mike Jones

The pivotal change in Champions League format for this season is the departure from the former group stage system. From the 2024/25 season, 36 clubs will participate in the Champions League league phase (former group stage). Those 36 clubs will participate in a single league competition in which all 36 competing clubs are ranked together.

Under the new format, teams will play eight matches in the new league phase, facing fixtures against eight different teams, playing half of those matches at home and half of them away.

To determine the eight different opponents, the teams will initially be ranked in four seeding pots. Each team will then be drawn to play two opponents from each of these pots, playing one match against a team from each pot at home, and one away.

The top eight sides in the league will qualify automatically for the round of 16, while the teams finishing in 9th to 24th place will compete in a two-legged knock-out phase play-off to secure their path to the last 16 of the competition. Teams that finish 25th or lower will be eliminated, with no access to the Europa League.

Mikel Arteta was asked to play for England

18:00 , Mike Jones

Mikel Arteta says he would have happily played for England but confirmed he was not one of the candidates the FA approached to replace Gareth Southgate.

The Arsenal boss was at Everton in 2010 when he was approached by then-England boss Fabio Capello, who thought Arteta might be eligible to play for the country where he had been resident for five years.

The FA later stated their understanding of Fifa’s eligibility rules would have rendered the Spaniard ineligible. Arteta said: “I was thinking about that the other day.

“I was actually talking to (Arsenal sporting director) Edu about that at lunch. Yeah, I would have done it. I feel very proud about it. I was very realistic, looking at the players Spain had at the time, and how big a challenge I had.

“You need to know your level, that is very important. Look in the mirror. At the end it didn’t happen. But it was good, at least to think about it.

“It was OK. If you cannot do it, you cannot do it. I wasn’t prepared to fight against the world.”

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says he did not speak to FA about England job

17:55 , Mike Jones

Mikel Arteta says he would have happily played for England but confirmed he was not one of the candidates the FA approached to replace Gareth Southgate.

The Arsenal boss was at Everton in 2010 when he was approached by then-England boss Fabio Capello, who thought Arteta might be eligible to play for the country where he had been resident for five years.

The FA later stated their understanding of FIFA’s complex eligibility rules would have rendered the Spaniard ineligible, despite having never featured for his country’s senior side.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says he did not speak to FA about England job

Bournemouth defeat will fuel Arsenal says Arteta

17:50 , Mike Jones

The Gunners lost 2-0 to the Cherries on Saturday but Mikel Arteta hopes the defeat fuels his team into performing strongly against Shakhtar tonight.

“We are obviously very disappointed with the result and gutted because we have to play another game in that context. With 10 men for 60, 65 minutes at this level, it’s just impossible,” Arteta said when speaking about William Saliba’s sending off.

“It was a decision [the red card] made on the pitch. That decision was changed. Now I don’t think the decision is going to change again. So, decision made.

“Willy has never done anything like this but he doesn’t do it on purpose. It happens. We have to accept it, move on, and have that pain we are feeling for Tuesday.”

Naive Arsenal hurting themselves with red card mistakes

17:45 , Mike Jones

Declan Rice said “silly mistakes” and “naivety” is hurting Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge after William Saliba was sent off in their match against Bournemouth last weekend.

The defender will be available for tonight’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar and if the Gunners are to achieve anything in Europe they will need to cut out the errors.

“We’ve kicked ourselves in the foot three times in eight games and we got away with it at home to Brighton and away at Manchester City. Bournemouth kept probing and made it 2-0,” Rice told Sky Sports.

“I’m proud of the players for fighting, even with 10 men, but the naivety, we need to stop making mistakes because you want 11 players for 90 minutes and that’s what wins you football matches.

“With 10 men we showed a lot of character and personality to stay in the game. The big chance was Martinelli’s and the keeper read it and made a great save and one minute later, normally a routine we are so strong at, has done us.

“We can’t make silly mistakes. You need all your best players on the pitch at all times. The belief is so high and we will stick together. This is football, whatever happens the most important thing is that you stick together and stay in the right direction.”

Will Saka be available for Arsenal?

17:40 , Mike Jones

The 23-year-old missed the trip to Bournemouth as a result of the hamstring injury picked up while on international duty with England. Mikel Arteta said Saka’s injury was “not serious” ahead of the weekend but it was significant enough for him to miss his first match of the season.

“They are closer and both progressing really well,” Arteta said on Monday morning when asked about Saka and Martin Odegaard. “Martin is still not fit. With Bukayo, let’s see how he feels today and in the training session we have later on.”

Arsenal’s captain, meanwhile, is entering the final stages of his recovery from an ankle injury and Arteta suggested last week that he could return before the November international break.

The Gunners boss said this week will be “crucial” to understanding how close he is to returning, but Odegaard won’t be back for the Shakhtar match.

Oleksandr Zinchenko reveals Mikel Arteta management stunt: ‘We were in deep shock’

17:35 , Mike Jones

Oleksandr Zinchenko has opened up on Mikel Arteta’s unique methods of keeping Arsenal players on their toes, which involve bringing in professional pickpockets and undercover footballers.

Zinchenko worked under then-assistant-coach Arteta at Manchester City, before signing for the Spaniard at Arsenal in 2022.

The Ukraine defender has offered mixed performances for the Gunners in their bid to dethrone his former club, but Arsenal have no doubt improved under Arteta, who has unusual means of keeping players sharp.

Oleksandr Zinchenko reveals ‘shocking’ Mikel Arteta management stunt

Arsenal vs Shakhtar prediction

17:30 , Mike Jones

Despite coming into the match on the back of a loss to Bournemouth there is enough firepower and ability in Arsenal’s team to get them back on track.

The loss of Martin Odegaard is huge and Bukayo Saka may not be fit to feature but the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard will be keen to show off their credentials in the absence of those two influential players.

Expect Arsenal to come out strongly and score goals making a win seem easier than it will actually be.

Arsenal 3-1 Shakhtar.

Latest odds

17:25 , Mike Jones

The bookmakers have Arsenal as the overwhelming favourites to win tonight’s match with the Gunners odds on to remain unbeaten in the Champions League.

Shakhtar’s failure to secure a win in their first two matches reflects their outsider tag but in this competition anything can happen and the Ukranian side may be meeting Arsenal at the right time.

Here are the latest odds:

Arsenal win 1/10

Draw 12/1

Shakhtar win 25/1

Predicted line-ups

17:20 , Mike Jones

Here’s how we see the two teams lining up against each other this evening:

Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Zinchenko; Merino, Jorginho; Sterling, Havertz, Martinelli; Jesus

Shakhtar XI: Riznyk; Konoplya, Bondar, Matvienko, Henrique; Stepanenko; Zubkov, Bondarenko, Sudakov, Newerton; Sikan

Arsenal’s early team news

17:15 , Mike Jones

Mikel Arteta indicated on Monday that Bukayo Saka is close to fitness after missing the weekend defeat to Bournemouth, though it is likely the winger is given extra time to recover ahead of a crucial fixture against Liverpool on Sunday.

Martin Odegaard remains absent but William Saliba is available, with his suspension to be served only in domestic competitions.

How can I watch it?

17:10 , Mike Jones

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Amazon Prime Video, with coverage on the streaming service from 6.30pm BST.

If you want to stream major sporting events while you are travelling or watching from abroad you’ll need a VPN. Get the best VPN deals in the UK. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.

When is Arsenal vs Shakhtar?

17:05 , Mike Jones

Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk is due to kick off at 8pm BST on Tuesday 22 October at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk

17:00 , Mike Jones

After a disappointing outing in the Premier League, Arsenal return to European action as they host Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.

Mikel Arteta’s side were beaten 2-0 at Bournemouth on Saturday to dent their title hopes, with William Saliba dismissed after half-an-hour.

They have made a solid start in this competition, though, following a draw against Atalanta in Bergamo with a strong win over Paris Saint-Germain.

Shakhtar, meanwhile, are still seeking their first win in the revamped league phase, taking one point from their first two games.

Good evening!

14:36 , Mike Jones

Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Champions League action as Arsenal take on Shakhtar Donetsk at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners are unbeaten in Europe’s top-flight this season with a decent draw away to Atalanta and a strong win of Paris Saint-Germain their two result thus far.

Tonight’s opponents are Shakhtar Donetsk and manager Mikel Arteta will be confident about beating a side yet to win in their European campaign.

We’ll have all the latest team news, line-ups and updates so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 8pm.