By ISAAN KHAN
Published: 17:19 EST, 11 December 2024 | Updated: 17:20 EST, 11 December 2024
Arsenal secured their place in the top three of the Champions League, at least for now, with a 3-0 victory over Monaco on Wednesday night.
Mikel Arteta's side started brightly and could've been ahead through Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus, who both squandered glorious chances.
However, the Gunners did open the scoring in the 34th minute as Bukayo Saka got on the end of a Jesus ball across the box and poked it home.
In the second-half, though Monaco showed promise, Arsenal went on and doubled their lead thanks to a defensive calamity which allowed Saka an easy effort.
The match was wrapped up shortly after when Kai Havertz got a miniscule deflection off a Saka shot to steer the ball into the back of the net.
Mail Sport's ISAAN KHAN was on hand to provide player ratings for the home side.
Arsenal moved up to third in the Champions League after beating Monaco on Wednesday night
Mikel Arteta watched on as his side strolled to victory over the Ligue 1 giants in north London
ARSENAL (4-3-3):
DAVID RAYA: 6.5
The ball whistled past his posts a couple of times. Made a couple of errant passes.
THOMAS PARTEY: 6.5
Played himself out of danger a few times. Put a good shift in and smart on the ball.
JAKUB KIWIOR: 6.5
Exceptional cross-field pass to Gabriel Jesus, who should’ve scored. Good on the ball play.
WILLIAM SALIBA: 6.5
Mostly composed at the back, but gave the ball away around the 65-minute mark which nearly led to a goal. There were a couple too many Monaco forays for his liking.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY: 7.5
Stepped up on his big night. His pass crafted the moved for Bukayo Saka to score. With the left back area hampered by injuries, he could make that spot his from here.
Youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly produced an encouraging display on his big night
Martin Odegaard - despite missing an early chance - put on a sensational display for Arsenal
MARTIN ODEGAARD: 7
Made a great interception in first half which he should’ve scored from. Put one on a plate for Gabriel Martinelli.
DECLAN RICE: 8
Put in a proper shift in the middle of the park. Made a string of passes and energetic throughout.
MIKEL MERINO: 6
Gave the ball away a few times. Mixed display.
BUKAYO SAKA: 8
Neatly converted Gabriel Jesus’ cross and then was gifted a second goal in the second half. Got an assist, too.
Bukayo Saka bagged a brace and an assist to help Arsenal secure victory on the night
MONACO RATINGS
MONACO (4231): Majeck 6i; Vanderson 6, Kehrer 6.5, Salisu 6, Caio Henrique 6; Magassa 5 (Minamino 46, 7), Camara 6.5; Akilouche 6, Golovin 6.5, Ben Seghir 6.5; Embolo 6. Subs: Kohn, Lienard, Teze, Matazo, Outtara, Ilenikhena, Michal, Nibombe, Tincres. Booked: Vanderson
Hutter: 6
Ratings provided by Sami Mokbel
GABRIEL JESUS: 5.5
A frustrating display. Got an assist but squandered a number of good chances to score.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI: 6
Enjoyed getting on the ball, and got some decent crosses into the box. But overall, his end product needed to be better.
Substitutions:
LEANDRO TROSSARD: 6.5
JORGINHO: 6.5
JURRIEN TIMBER: 6.5
KAI HAVERTZ: 7
ETHAN NWANERI: N/A
Manager:
MIKEL ARTETA: 6.5
The game should have been put to bed by half-time. Faith in starting Myles Lewis-Skelly paid off at left back.