Arsenal secured their second win of the season in Europe with a narrow victory against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday night. A sole own goal, courtesy of Gabriel Martinelli cannoning a shot off the post and off the back of Dmytro Riznyk and into the net proved the difference and therefore failed to instil much in the way of confidence ahead of the match with Liverpool this weekend.
That said, there were signs of encouragement that should act as a boost going into the clash with Arne Slot’s side. Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard as well as Jurrien Timber, however, remained sidelined.
There were definitely opportunities that went by the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard that certainly should have had a better outcome. Arsenal will need his work rate on Sunday and an eighth goal in nine home games would not hurt either.
Being very honest, what we witnessed at Bournemouth on the weekend was simply not good enough from a midfield perspective. Mikel Merino, Declan Rice and Thomas Partey might be a combination that can work, but last weekend it simply didn’t.
