Mikel Arteta on why Leandro Trossard took Arsenal penalty as Kai Havertz denied record

Arsenal secured a narrow victory in the Champions League, but it came at a cost as Mikel Arteta confessed: “We looked tired.”

The winning goal, which saw Gabriel Martinelli’s strike ricochet off the post and Shakhtar goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk’s backside, gave a whole new meaning to the saying ‘1-0 to the ARSEnal.’

However, Leandro Trossard’s weak penalty was later saved by Riznyk, leaving Gunners fans puzzled as to why Kai Havertz wasn’t given the opportunity to set a new club record by scoring in eight straight home games.

Arsenal then owed a debt of gratitude to David Raya for a spectacular last-minute save to thwart Pedrinho, propelling the Gunners to fourth place in the expanded Champions League table.

With William Saliba already suspended, manager Arteta is confronted with a defensive selection headache ahead of Sunday’s crucial clash with Liverpool, following Riccardo Calafiori’s injury.

Arteta commented: “Winning at home in this format is key and the first half we were very dominant – we created four big, big chances and we should have put the game to bed.

“In the second half we looked tired and lacked our usual sharpness with and without the ball. We had chances again and missed a big penalty – that emotion was difficult to overcome and then we had to dig in. But overall it’s the Champions League, you take the win and the clean sheet… let’s move on.”

Arteta’s nerves were palpable as Trossard fluffed a crucial penalty in the absence of injured captain Martin Odegaard and star player Bukayo Saka.

Arteta disclosed: “The players made that decision – the penalty takers are normally Bukayo or Martin – after that we have two or three players who can take them. Unfortunately it was an opportunity missed.”

In light of Arsenal’s recent spate of red cards, Arteta preemptively substituted Ben White at half-time to avoid further disciplinary issues, while Calafiori’s exit from the pitch was due to necessity rather than choice.

Arteta explained: “It was my decision to take Ben out. “He was on a yellow card and we have played enough with 10 men in recent weeks so I didn’t want to take any chances. Riccardo felt something but I don’t know the extent of it so in that sense it’s not great news.”

Despite the setback, Arteta is adamant that Arsenal will bounce back and go full throttle against Premier League frontrunners Liverpool on Sunday, asserting: “We have four days to prepare – we are more than comfortable that we’ll be in the right place. Believe me, come Sunday we’ll be flying.”

Martinelli may have staked a claim for the winning goal, but he was just happy to survive a tough encounter.

The Brazilian winger expressed: “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.”

Shakhtar’s coach Marino Pusic disclosed the gruelling return trip his team faces, stating: “Tomorrow we fly back to Poland and then we drive on the bus to the train station and then take the night train, which is around 20 hours. It’s a tough one, but this is the way it is.”

“We like to give our people something to be proud of. You can see what passion they have for the country and the club. Oleksandr [Zinchenko] was our guest in the changing room at the end of the game. Great guy, we love him.”