Arsenal returned to winning ways as they edged past Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0 on Tuesday night.
Mikel Arteta's side probed for long periods in the first half and finally got their reward just before the half hour mark when Gabriel Martinelli's shot came back off the post and hit goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk before dribbling into the net.
The Gunners had the chance to wrap the game up in the second half, but Leandro Trossard saw his penalty saved after Shakhtar were penalised for handball.
This set up a nervy finish, but Arsenal did just enough to get over the line.
Mail Sport's ISAAN KHAN was on hand to rate the players at the Emirates.
Gabriel Martinelli's shot went in off the Shakhtar goalkeeper to hand Arsenal a hard-earned win
Mikel Arteta's side were not at their best but did just enough to get over the line
David Raya 6 - Overall a quiet night for the Spaniard, watching the ball in the opposition half for large parts of the match. Stayed alert for the final 10 minutes.
David Raya remained alert to make a sharp stop in the closing stages of the game
Ben White 6 - Taken off at half-time. His side will hope it’s not injury related. Did pick up a booking earlier.
William Saliba 6.5 - Had much time to dictate the backline positionally. He will, of course, be missed against Liverpool this weekend.
Gabriel 6.5 - Performed well in tandem with Saliba. Left the opposition trying to attack from out wide.
Riccardo Calafiori 6 - Should have put his shot on target on six minutes, which he blazed over. Dispossessed on 66 minutes but that aside, a decent display.
Riccardo Calafiori delivered a decent display before limping off in the second half
Thomas Partey 7 - Put in the tackles when opposition players were taking time on the ball. Balanced the midfield well.
Declan Rice 7 - Solid in the middle. Made it very difficult for Shakhtar to break forward and left them relying on counter-attacks.
Declan Rice put in another solid performance in the middle of the park
Kai Havertz 7 - Good hold up play and neat flicks to team-mates around the area throughout. His desire on the pitch reflected on 40 minutes, where he steamed in to try head Gabriel Jesus’ low cross.
Gabriel Jesus 6.5 - Some signs of his dribbling ability as he left Shakhtar player’s behind him. Really wanted to be involved. Had a shot just before half-time well saved by the goalkeeper.
Gabriel Jesus had a shot well saved in the first half as his goal drought continued
Leandro Trossard 6 - Made some nice runs in the pockets outside the area. Couple of moments where he gave the ball away or made an errant pass. His penalty was saved.
Leandro Trossard missed a penalty and was guilty of giving the ball away too easily
Gabriel Martinelli 8 - He came with a point to prove, Mikel Arteta having singled him out after the Bournemouth defeat. Looked very hungry and constantly drove forward. Got a goal, albeit fortuitously deflected off the goalkeeper.
Manager
Mikel Arteta 6.5 - Changed up the midfield to ensure it didn’t lack creativity, like against Bournemouth. Will have wanted a more killer instinct in the box.
Referee
Benoit Bastien 6 - Controlled the game fairly and it flowed.
Shakhtar Donetsk (4-1-4-1): Riznyk 5.5; Konoplya 6, Bondar 6, Matviyenko 6.5, Pedrinho 6; Kryskiv 6; Zubkov 6, Bondarenko 6, Sudakov 7, Eguinaldo 7; Sikan 6.