Efim is pleased with the dedication shown in London
Defender Shakhtar Efim Hemp summed up the results of the meeting with Arsenal (0:1) in the Champions League. In his opinion, the start of the match was very difficult, but the ending was completely dictated by the Miners.
“Of course, the first 20-25 minutes were very difficult for us, because this is, after all, one of the top teams in the world, and we gradually adapted to their game, to the way they press, what they do with the ball. But then we showed our character, and it was thanks to this and desire that we were able to turn the game around a little, create several chances, take control of the ball and the game as a whole. And we also had opportunities to score.”
“You know, in the first minutes they felt faster, bigger, as if they had one more player on the field. But, as I say, when we adapted and got a little involved, we got used to it and realized that we can play against them, we can play our football.”
“Of course, they had passes and chances, there’s no way without it, but we fought, backed each other up. Probably, it was precisely because we fought on the football field and helped each other that we were able not to concede more than one goal. And that one was some kind of misfortune, because the ball flew in so treacherously that there are not even words.”
“It felt like we took control of the ball in the last 20-30 minutes. I think the Arsenal players felt it. This is precisely what may have physically broken them: they are also people and can also become physically exhausted, just like us. But thanks to our character, we were able to take control of the game and had chances, had very good opportunities to score and snatch at least a draw.”
“The conclusion is this: if we can play against Arsenal, a team that is competing for the championship in the strongest league in the world – and I believe that they will compete for winning the Champions League, that’s clear – then we must go out and play our football , to perform at our best with every team we face in the future.”
Let us remind you that the home team managed to open the scoring in the 29th minute when, after a shot from Gabriel Martinelli, the ball first hit the post and then flew into the Miners’ goal from Dmitry Riznyk.
After the break, the Gunners again had the initiative and in the middle of the second half were awarded a penalty – Valery Bondar played with his hand in his own penalty area. But Leandro Trossard failed to beat Riznyk.
Shakhtar has only one point after three matches and 29th position. In the next round of the Champions League, Marino Pusic’s team will play against Young Boys.
Source: Sportarena
I’m Todderic Kirkman, a journalist and author for athletistic. I specialize in covering all news related to sports, ranging from basketball to football and everything in between. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, I have become an invaluable asset to my team. My ambition is to bring the most up-to-date information on sports topics around the world.
