Mikel Arteta press conference
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admitted his team had to endure tough moments to secure their dominant performance in a 3-0 win against Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday night. The victory at Emirates Stadium has positioned the Gunners on the brink of qualifying for the round of 16.
Despite a shaky start where Arsenal squandered numerous chances, they eventually clinched a comfortable lead. The first half saw Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegaard, and Gabriel Martinelli miss opportunities, thanks in part to the remarkable saves by Monaco’s Polish goalkeeper, Radosław Majecki. It was Bukayo Saka who finally broke the deadlock with a well-executed goal from a cross by Jesus before halftime.
The match was sealed when Majecki, under pressure from substitute Kai Havertz, made a significant error, allowing Saka to score his second. Havertz later added a third, ensuring Arsenal’s control over the game and their standing as third in their Champions League group.
READ MORE: Monaco boss makes huge admission after Champions League defeat to Arsenal
The game could have been out of sight earlier if not for Majecki’s heroics, particularly denying Jesus, who had only scored once in his previous 32 matches, on two clear chances.
Bukayo Saka via Instagram after Arsenal move up to third place in the Champions League with two games to go.
“One step closer” pic.twitter.com/dCzigxQBva
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) December 11, 2024
Speaking to TNT Sports post-match, Arteta expressed satisfaction with the outcome but acknowledged the team’s struggles, “Very happy with scoring three goals and keeping the clean sheet in the game – extremely happy. We started the game very well in the first half. It should have been three or four at least and then we could have put the game to bed.”
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW.ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
He continued, “We didn’t and in the Champions League, you have difficult moments. We had that for a period of time, probably longer than expected because we weren’t precise enough, we didn’t adjust to the press well enough, and we suffered. But then with the second goal, I thought the game was in control and I’m happy with the three points.”
Arteta also commented on the variety in Arsenal’s goal-scoring, “They were very different goals, the three of them, and that’s what we want from every phase of play – be a threat. As I said, we could have scored many more in open play. For me, open play and set-pieces are all part of the game. But anyway, very happy.”
Arsenal now looks forward to their next challenge in the Premier League, with sights set on maintaining their momentum.
NEXT ARTICLE: Mikel Arteta explains decision to drop Kieran Tierney against Monaco