Arsenal are taking on one of Ukraine’s most consistent and dangerous sides—a side that has caused upsets to big teams in the Champions League in the past. Managed by Marino Pusic, they emphasise possession-based + attacking-branded football.
When and Where?
Date: 22nd October 2024, Tuesday
Time: 8:00 PM BST.
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Match Officials:
Referee: Benoît Bastien, FRA
Assistants: Hicham Zakrani FRA, Aurélien Berthomieu FRA
Fourth Official: Thomas Leonard FRA
VAR: Benoît Millot FRA
Assistant VAR: Willy Delajod, FRA
Below we analyse the Ukrainian side’s playstyle and also some of their most influential players that will face Arsenal –
Pusic often lines up his side in his favourable 4-1-2-3 formation. However, he’s a tactically smart manager that likes to experiment and also change formations to 3-4-3 or 4-3-3 depending upon game scenarios.
Being a possession-based side, they prioritise patience in buildup. DM’s help in progressing and stick rigid to their positions whilst their attacking midfielders (Sudakov) dive further ahead to create chances. Prefer central possession more than width.
Nevertheless, Shakhtar’s fullbacks like to provide the necessary width and make the overlapping runs—like any other side. Their quick passing routines and dominance with the ball at their feet make it easy to break down defenses; I can’t expect it to be the same vs. Arsenal.
In defence, they are again patient and not aggressive with their actions. Compact shapes and good defensive principles help them remain tight and not let many attacks flow, although they’ve conceded an average of 1.0 goals per 90 in the league.
Possession-based side easily means they prefer counter-pressing and winning the ball back. A clear intensity they use to regain control. Attacking wise, they’ve scored 2.8 goals per 90 in the league—the most in their division, which speaks of their attacking approach.
Shakhtar’s run in the UCL hasn’t been up to the mark—a 0-0 draw vs. Bologna and a recent 3-0 thumping by Atalanta sees them 27th on the table with 1 point. Arsenal will be a big battle for Shakhtar as they’ll look to get points on the road.
Some key players⬇️
Georgiy Sudakov, Ukraine
22 | AM/CM | 5’10
One of Europe’s most underrated playmakers is making strides quietly but rapidly! Link-up play, double-footed, and the vision to execute passes are superb—all whilst demonstrating ball control. Gonna be Shakhtar’s most vital asset in attack.
Oleksandr Zubkov, Ukraine
28 | RW | 6’0
Zubkov has spent a considerable amount of time at Shakhtar and has been one of their most reliant playmakers from the wing. Zubkov’s dribbling has a certain finesse about it, threatful and direct, making it difficult for defenders to tackle him with the ball.
Artem Bondarenko, Ukraine
24 | CM/DM | 6’0
Primarily operating as a midfielder, Artem’s technical abilities are always on display. He got a fancy range of passing techniques in his book that compliment his vision and creativity. Versatility in midfield is another aspect he brings to the Ukrainian side.
Danylo Stikan, Ukraine
23 | CF | 6’1
A veteran in the Shakhtar side that has managed to step up on the big nights, Silkan primarily functions as a CF who showcases wonderful goal-scoring attributes. Channel running, positioning, and his overall goal scoring instincts make him a big threat.
Although we expect Arsenal to manage to comfortably win the game with the home advantage, certain factors make Shakhtar Donetsk a big threat. Head-to-head battle, where one could tactically execute a perfect game plan.
