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By SIMON CASS
No celebration: Eduardo (right) refuses to acknowledge his winning goal against his old sideFor a brief period it looked like being a case of 'anything you can do' for Arsenal.
Having seen Tottenham produce a stunning performance to see off Inter Milan, Arsenal appeared to be making smooth progress out of the group stages of the Champions League for the 11th successive season.
And even if Theo Walcott was not going to receive the rave reviews of his former Southampton teammate, Gareth Bale, then at least his early strike looked like further enhancing his reputation as much more than just a speed merchant.
But as Wenger had said, Shakhtar Donetsk, while not in Inter's class, are a better side than the score-line from the Emirates a fortnight ago would suggest.
So when the side from the coal mining town dug deep, Arsenal's progression to the knockout phase was put on hold.
Even so, it looked like Arsenal's comprehensive 5-1 win over the Ukrainian champions was enough to convince Wenger no unnecessary risks were needed in the Donbass Arena.
Cesc Fabregas, Alex Song, Denilson and Andrey Arshavin were not risked and Craig Eastmond was handed a Champions League debut alongside fellow youngster Jack Wilshere in central midfield.
But impressive stadiums filled with 50,000 fanatical Ukrainians are the kind of venues that will test the mettle of young and old and too many times in a pulsating game Arsenal were swamped. And when a calming influence from the likes of Gael Clichy and Tomas Rosicky was required, the wiser heads left much to be desired.
Wenger's decision not to risk his talented quartet looked all the more brave considering Arsenal's last four visits to Ukraine had resulted in three losses and one draw. But that looked like being rectified inside 10 minutes thanks to a superb early counter attack.
Sebastien Squillaci mopped up a Shakhtar corner and as the ball reached Wilshere, the 18-year-old had the presence of mind to pick out Walcott already on the gallop.
Wenger had described the lightning fast England player as a Formula One type and as he sprinted away from Razvan Rat and Dario Srna, the Shakhtar full backs were made to look like the Ladas that still fill the streets of Donetsk, before a cool finish was applied.
Match-winner: Eduardo (second right) slots home Shakhtar Donetsk's second goalBut if Wenger hoped that great start would settle the nerves, he was sadly mistaken. Jadson twice came close to getting his team back on terms while only a stunning save from Lukasz Fabianski prevented Dmytro Chygrynskiy's thunderbolt from crossing the line.
The waves of orange and black could not be held back forever, but the equaliser was controversial. After a studs-up challenge from Wilshere in the first meeting, Tomas Hubschman's apparent revenge attack left the Arsenal midfielder in a crumpled heap.
Swiss referee Massimo Busacca chose not to halt play with Arsenal in possession, to the annoyance of Wenger, who was even more incensed when Emmanuel Eboue was booked moments later for a challenge on Willian.
Fine finish: Theo Walcott slots an early shot into the net from 20 yards to give the Gunners the lead
In came the resulting free-kick from Jadson for Chygrynskiy, although his header took a crucial deflection off Eastmond.
Arsenal briefly steadied the ship and Walcott should have done better than to allow Srna take the ball off his toe 12 yards out.
And on the stroke of half time, Srna proved equally adept at nicking the ball at the other end of the pitch. Clichy was the ditherer.
When Srna found his Croatia team-mate Eduardo in space there was only going to be one outcome, although he kept the celebrations to a minimum out of respect to his old club.
It was more balanced after the break and Arsenal were not without chances. Wilshere came close when Willian lost possession 20 yards out but his strike did not have the curl to trouble Pyatov. Squillaci then spurned a great chance by firing a header straight at the Shakhtar keeper.
Walcott at least made Pyatov work a little harder with a shot on the turn while substitute Marcelo Moreno forced one more super stop from Fabianski in added time.
So it is off to Sporting Braga in three weeks' time to complete the job. At least Arsenal fans may regain bragging rights from Spurs via the north London derby before they head to Portugal.
source: dailymail [endtext]
