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Evening Standard
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Simon Collings

Arsenal player ratings vs Shakhtar Donetsk: Gabriel Martinelli sharp but Gabriel Jesus lacking ruthless streak

Gabriel Martinelli was Arsenal’s brightest player - (AP)

Arsenal bounced back from their defeat to Bournemouth by beating Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.

The Gunners, who suffered their first loss of the season on Saturday at Bournemouth, ran out 1-0 winners over Shakhtar.

An own-goal from Dmytro Riznyk handed them all three points, with Gabriel Martinelli’s shot striking the post and then the Shakhtar goalkeeper before going in.

Arsenal could have enjoyed a more comfortable end to the game, but Leandro Trossard had his penalty saved.

Simon Collings was at Emirates Stadium to see Arsenal in action...

David Raya 6

Was having a very quiet night, but then forced into a great save late on to keep out Pedrinho’s long-range effort.

Ben White 6

Taken off at half-time after a steady 45 minutes. Booked just before the break, which may explain why he was taken off.

William Saliba 6

Suspended for Sunday’s game with Liverpool, but in the side tonight. A solid performance, giving Shakhtar’s attack little to feed off.

Gabriel 6

Like Saliba, the Brazilian had a fairly comfortable evening bar the odd bright counter-attack from Shakhtar.

Riccardo Calafiori 6

Forced off with around 20 minutes to go after stretching to keep hold of the ball. Arsenal will be praying it is nothing serious with Liverpool up next on Sunday.

Gabriel Jesus 6

Typical of a few of his performances in an Arsenal shirt. Had some bright moments, but lacked a ruthless streak in front of goal.

Gabriel Jesus had chances to end goalless drought but was unconvincing in front of goal (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Thomas Partey 7

One of Arsenal’s better players. Bossed the midfield in the first-half and then shifted to right-back after the break.

Declan Rice 6

Alongside Partey, he helped Arsenal control the midfield - especially in the first-half. Broke up play well.

Gabriel Martinelli 7 | Star player

Looked really sharp all night. Constantly went at his opposite number and it was his shot that Riznyk deflected into the net for Arsenal’s goal.

Leandro Trossard 5

Just not his night. Went close on a few occasions and then had his penalty saved by Riznyk.

Kai Havertz 6

Denied what looked a certain goal after a stunning clearance by Mykola Matviyenko. Drifted out right a fair bit and caused problems.

Substitutions

Mikel Merino (White 45’) 6

It was his cross that struck the hand of Valeriy Bondar to win Arsenal a penalty, but Trossard missed the spot-kick.

Raheem Sterling (Jesus 68’) 6

Unlucky not to start after being hooked early against Bournemouth. A pretty quite cameo, here.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (Calafiori 70’) 6

On ahead of both Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko. A steady cameo from the youngster.

Jorginho (Trossard 88’) N/A

Subs not used: Neto, Setford, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Monlouis, Robinson, Nwaneri, Butler-Oyedeji.

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