Arsenal’s unbeaten defense faces Shakhtar Donetsk’s desperate attack in crucial clash

It is in the Champions League that every single detail may make a difference, and this game would be one of those encounters between Arsenal and Shakhtar Donetsk, whereby each move might decide who wins. On one side, there is Arsenal, enjoying a phase of good solidity in defense with a system that has been working efficiently. The Shakhtar, on another side, has stumbled in scoring during the European competition but leads in the shots on goal in the Ukrainian league.

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More than the three points are at stake for either of these teams, as Arsenal want to make sure of their place in the standings, and Shakhtar desperately needs to find their way to the back of the net and regain that competitive spirit that has been lacking lately in their games.

Arsenal's Defensive Solidity

One of the strong points of Arsenal in this Champions League group stage has been their defense. The team managed to keep two clean sheets, including matches against strong offensive teams such as Atalanta and Paris Saint-Germain. This solidity at the back is taken as a matter of pride for the Gunners as they remain one of the six teams yet to concede a goal in this phase of competition.

Kai Havertz, one of the main protagonists of the London team, underlined team growth: "We learned from last season. We've grown as a group; everyone has more experience now. We're ready for the challenges ahead." That mentality is in good hands with a team aware that, with some fluctuation in offense, it can count on the defensive fortress to be determinative.

Arteta will want to maintain that solidity with changes in midfield and attack. In the continued absence of Martin Odegaard and perhaps Bukayo Saka, potential returns could be the difference-maker against a Shakhtar defense that just might be there for the taking. A return for Saka would certainly bring the dynamism to break down Shakhtar's defense; however, his fitness may still be in doubt.

Shakhtar Donetsk: The Pressure to Score

On one side, Arsenal has been solid in defense, while on another side, Shakhtar Donetsk fails to find the net in Europe. What speaks volumes of their performance is that the Ukrainian team has failed to score a single goal, and that itself speaks volumes about the pressure they are facing. This failure to score in the Champions League does contradict their domestic form, where they lead the charts of goals scored in the Ukrainian league.

Heorhiy Sudakov becomes key in trying to break through such a solid Arsenal defense, having been one of Shakhtar's standout players this season. The man who has scored seven times this season has chemistry with the rest of the squad, which is very important in creating chances that have been lacking in Europe so far.

But his coach, Marino Pusic, harbors no illusions about the scale of the challenge that awaits his team in London, yet he still does: "We have to be more vertical when we attack. The key is not only in good defending but how we transform the chances into goals. That's our big challenge," said Pusic following the defeat at the hands of Atalanta.

Expectation and Difficulty: Arteta versus Pusic

Mikel Arteta knows full well that as long as the team is doing well defensively, the onus is on them to return to winnings ways after a recent defeat. "Losing is part of sports. What matters is how we respond to it," Arteta said, making clear his focus was on learning from mistakes and moving forward.

On the other hand, Marino Pusic looks at the game against Arsenal as an opportunity to make amends. "To play against one of the world's best teams is a big challenge, yet at the same time it is a good opportunity to demonstrate our real level," Shakhtar head coach Pusic said. Pusic admitted that his side would have to show some courage and believe they are capable of playing on an equal footing.

Injuries Concern

Both teams go into this match with vital injuries: Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka are doubts for Arsenal, which may weaken the creative midfield and the attacking power of the Gunners. As for Shakhtar, the absence of goalkeeper Tymur Puzankov will raise a question mark or two in their defense.

Saka's possible absence puts more pressure on Arteta, who will have a hard time finding other ways to keep the tactical balance of the team. Recovering from a muscle problem, Jurrien Timber could be on time; his fitness is in doubt, too.

Regarding Shakhtar, losing Puzankov might be a serious loss, but according to Pusic, his team has a deep squad for replacing an irreplaceable starting goalkeeper.

The Match History

History stands against Arsenal regarding the Champions League clashes with Shakhtar. The teams have met each other four times and have, therefore, won their home matches. Some of the fond memories include a 5-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium in 2010. Shakhtar has never won on English soil, having drawn once and lost six times in seven outings.

This means this statistic puts additional pressure on the Ukrainian side that will have to break this streak if they want to keep their qualification hopes alive.