Arsenal eventually ease to win over Monaco
Arsenal 3 - 0 Monaco
Bukayo Saka shone with a brace as Arsenal secured a crucial win over Monaco, bolstering their chances of advancing to the Champions League knockout stages.
The Gunners dominated the first half but squandered several opportunities to make the result more emphatic.
Arsenal broke the deadlock in the 34th minute when Myles Lewis-Skelly threaded a pass to Gabriel Jesus, whose low cross set up Saka for an easy finish.
In the second half, substitute Kai Havertz capitalised on an error from goalkeeper Radosław Majecki in the 74th minute, allowing Saka to strike from close range for his second of the night.
Saka then turned provider in the 88th minute, delivering a pinpoint cross for Havertz, who slotted in Arsenal’s third goal.
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A closer look at what happened
Despite the late flurry of goals, Arsenal missed several clear-cut chances earlier in the match. Gabriel Jesus was twice denied by Majecki in one-on-one situations, while captain Martin Ødegaard fired wide after intercepting a loose pass from Monaco’s Soungoutou Magassa. Gabriel Martinelli also failed to convert a promising opportunity, curling his effort just wide.
The visitors nearly punished Arsenal’s profligacy early in the second half when Thilo Kehrer headed wide from a free-kick. Former Liverpool player Takumi Minamino and striker Breel Embolo also came close to levelling for Monaco.
In the end, Arsenal’s late goals secured a deserved victory, leaving them third in the group on 13 points and in a commanding position ahead of their final two games.
The Gunners will host Dinamo Zagreb on 22 January before travelling to face Girona a week later.
Arsenal 3 - 0 AS Monaco Arsenal are a great team, but lacking a world class centre-forward. Many believe that must buy a top striker in the January transfer window if they're going to win a major trophy. Do you agree? eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com/p/champions-...
— European Super Football (@superfootball.bsky.social) 12 December 2024 at 15:27
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Reaction from Arsenal fans around the ground
Jordan is one Arsenal fan that was delighted with the win. He said: "Three goals from open play silenced suggestions that we only score from set pieces! I enjoyed Myles Lewis-Skelly's performance, as he looked comfortable under the brightest lights, along with another sharp cameo from Ethan Nwaneri."
Vincent added: "After the first 45 minutes, I was worried it would be one of those games where we would be punished for missing easy chances. Thankfully, Bukayo Saka came through for us. Despite the obvious strategy to mark him out of the game, he scored two goals and assisted one. Sooner rather than later, I believe he will surpass Mohamed Salah."
