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| Ex Gunner, Eduardo(left) applauds the fans holding an Arsenal shirt |
On account of injury, our entire midfield underwent a make over as Alex Song, Cesc Fabregas, Denilson and Abou Diaby all stayed at home. Andrei Arshavin also joined the missing-in-action list, while Marouane Chamakh and Bacary Sagna were rested.
Interestingly, we took the the lead in the 10th minute through the ever-improving Theo Walcott, who raced onto a through pass out of defence by Wilshire to score in his usual break away fashion.
Shakhtar, severqally known as 'Pitmen' or 'Miners' (depending on your choice of vaocabulary) responded with a sustained onslaught and despite some brave defending by Johann Djourou and Lukasz Fabianski, we were pegged back in the 28th minute when Craig Eastmond headed-in an own goal under pressure from a freekick.
Shakhtar continued their pressure and we were containing them comfortably until the 45th minute when Dario Srna nicked the ball off Gael Clichy to send a cross into the ball for the lurking ex-Gunner, Eduardo to shoot past Fabianski.
We had chances in the second half through Sebastian Squillaci, Walcott and Wilshire, but it was not to be our night as the hosts held on for their win.
In the larger picture, we still top the group though on goals’ difference now as Shakhtar join us on seven points apiece. We play host to Partizan Belgrade next and a win will surely seal up the business of qualification ahead of the final group game away to Braga in December.
Below are the ratings:
*Fabianksi (7/10) - Actually did well despite the defeat. It was always going to be a difficult game in difficult surroundings and he coped admirably for all that came his way. He was free from blame for both goals that went in and even prevented many more. Surely now, he is established between the sticks and all the stupid blunders seem to have been dealt with.
*Clichy (5/10) - A very ordinary game from Clichy. Was doing ok, just ok until he allowed Srna to dispossess him of the ball in the 45th minute, which ultimately led to the winning goal. Tried to atone for his mistake with his usual overlapping runs but the mistake was to remain crucial.
*Squillaci (6/10) - Did well on the night. He always brings a calmness to the defence and his experience allows him to read games well and anticipate a lot of situations. Despite the defeat, he acquitted himself well.
*Djourou (7/10) - Interestingly, this could count as Johann’s best game for us all season. The amount of blocks and interceptions he made were quite impressive and he even saved a goal bound shot on the line in the first half. The run of games he’s got already has helped his form a lot and it is hoped barring injuries, his long-trumpeted potential is beginning to emerge. Keep it up Johann.
*Eboue (6/10) - The Ivorian did well on the night and performed as expected of him. He helped out in defence when required and stifled the threat of Eduardo all night. Apart from the the winner which he scored, the ex-Gunner was not given any room to manouver.
*Eastmond (6/10) - It would go down as a better-forgotten night for the young Englishman but with his age, it should count as part of the learning curve. He was forced under pressure by ex- Barcelona defender, Dmitry Chygrynskiy to head into his own net but he recovered to hold his own. In the absence of Song and Fabregas, it was always going to be a formidable task for Eastmond to cope, and ultimately he was subbed early in the second half. Mention must be made that the long term injury to Emmanuel Frimpong is the reason why Eastmond is getting a look-in.
*Wilshire (7/10) – The young maestro picked up from where he left prior to his suspension. He dictated the pace of our game and provided the breakthrough pass for Walcott to score our goal. Was unfazed by the physicality of the game and almost scored himself in the second half. All in all, it was great to see him back in the side.
* Nasri (6/10) – Was required to play the Fabregas role on the night. But it didn’t quite go according to plan. Was visible though in the first half as he took on the Shakhtar defence repeatedly but there was no ready outlet to feed his balls. Tired and faded as the match wore on.
* Rosicky (6/10) - Was very pedestrian all night. Not much to write about him as he failed to impose himself in the middle.
* Bendtner (5/10) - For someone who is trying to break into the team, this was a missed opportunity to show what he could do. He was pedestrian all night and the sight of Chamakh on the bench must have served as a constant reminder that he wouldn’t be getting too many chances to start like last night.
* Walcott (8/10) - Another impressive day at the office. Apart from his well taken goal that silenced the home crowd, he was dangerous all night and never allowed the Shakhtar defence to relax. He is now a genuine source of goals for us and he has equalled his best tally of seven goals for us in only the third month of the season. Expect greater things from him this season.
Subs
*Vela (5/10) – As is now the fashion of the Mexican, he contributed nothing of note to the game. Came on in the 56th minute to little effect.
*Emmanuel Thomas (5/10) – Came on late for the tiring Walcott but had little impact on the proceedings. It will be nice to see what he can offer though as a starter.
*Chamakh (5/10) – He replacd the ineffective Bendtner but time ran out on him to impact on the game.
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