Arsenal defeated AS Monaco 3-0, with Bukayo Saka scoring twice, bringing Mikel Arteta’s team closer to advancing in the Champions League knockout stage.

Saka Shines as Arsenal Dispatch Monaco with Ease

In a commanding display at the Emirates Stadium, Bukayo Saka emerged as the standout performer as Arsenal secured a convincing 3-0 victory over AS Monaco. This win propelled them into the top eight of the UEFA Champions League table.

Saka opened the scoring in the first half, tapping in from close range after a brilliant cross from Gabriel Jesus. The build-up was made possible by the impressive work of young Myles Lewis-Skelly, who expertly unlocked the Monaco defense. Despite dominating the first half, Arsenal could have been further ahead at the break, having squandered a number of clear-cut chances in what was a one-sided affair.

The visitors showed signs of life after the interval, with Breel Embolo coming close to equalizing. However, Saka ensured the evening remained comfortable for the Gunners when he combined with substitute Kai Havertz to capitalize on a defensive error from Monaco. Havertz laid the ball off perfectly for Saka, who made no mistake in finding the back of the net.

A late third goal came from Saka again, whose drilled shot took a double deflection off Havertz and Thilo Kehrer, wrong-footing the goalkeeper at the near post. This goal not only sealed the win but also lifted Arsenal to third place in a tightly contested top half of the table.

Tactical Masterclass from Arteta

While Arsenal were the dominant side for much of the match, they faced increasing pressure at 1-0 during the second half. Mikel Arteta’s tactical switch to bolster the left-back position with Jurrien Timber and adopt a more counter-attacking approach proved pivotal. By utilizing Havertz’s hold-up play, Arsenal effectively stifled Monaco’s attempts to find their rhythm after a triple substitution on 64 minutes. It was a clever adjustment that paid dividends.

Player of the Match: Bukayo Saka

Once again, Bukayo Saka was the heartbeat of Arsenal’s attack, providing the inspiration needed in a tightly contested match. He was perfectly positioned to finish the opener and showed his ruthlessness in punishing Monaco’s defensive lapse for the second goal.

Saka was on the verge of a hat-trick late in the game, but a double deflection denied him the match ball. In his current form, he is becoming an invaluable asset for Arsenal, almost resembling a cheat code for the team.

Player Ratings

*Arsenal:* Raya 8; Partey 7, Saliba 7, Kiwior 7, Lewis-Skelly 7; Merino 8, Rice 7, Odegaard 8; Saka 9, Jesús 6, Martinelli 7. Subs: Timber 8, Trossard 6, Jorginho 7, Nwaneri 6.

*AS Monaco:* Majecki 8; Vanderson 7, Salisu 6, Kehrer 6, Henrique 6; Camara 7, Magassa 6, Golovin 6; Seghir 6, Embolo 7, Akliouche 6. Subs: Minamino 7, Teze 6, Matazo 6, Ilenikhena 6.

Match Highlights

*34’ – GOAL! ARSENAL 1-0 AS MONACO (SAKA)*
Saka finds the net at the back post, but the players swarm Lewis-Skelly for his brilliant contribution. He turned away from pressure and delivered a delightful ball to Jesus, who provided the perfect cross for Saka to finish. 1-0. A superb goal.

*78’ – GOAL! ARSENAL 2-0 AS MONACO (SAKA)*
A moment of hesitation from the Monaco goalkeeper allows Havertz to pounce and steal possession. He lays it back to Saka, who curls a precise finish into the far corner for his second of the night. 2-0.

*88’ – GOAL! ARSENAL 3-0 AS MONACO (HAVERTZ)*
Arsenal catch Monaco off guard with a quick free-kick. Trossard’s cross deflects to Saka, who shoots low at the back post. The ball takes a flick off both Havertz and Kehrer, beating the goalkeeper. The goal is checked for offside but stands. 3-0 to Arsenal.

With this performance, Arsenal have sent a clear message to their rivals in the Champions League.