Arsenal FC v AS Monaco - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6
William Saliba and David Raya helped Arsenal keep a clean sheet in their 3-0 win over Monaco
William Saliba has hit out at the English media for branding the French top flight as a ‘Farmer’s league’.
The Arsenal centre-half put in another imperious display at the heart of his side’s defence in last night’s ultimately convincing 3-0 win over Monaco.
A brace from Bukayo Saka allied to a late goal from substitute Kai Havertz ensured a fourth win in six Champions League games this season for the Gunners, who now have one foot in the knockout stage.
The scoreline, however, did not tell the full story with Arsenal were nearly being made to pay for their first half profligacy in front of goal during a difficult period in the second 45 minutes.
Thilo Kehrer and Breel Embolo both missed presentable opportunities to level the score before Mikel Arteta’s side put the game to bed during the closing stages.
Adi Hutter’s side, themselves, are still in with a shout of progression, as are the competition’s surprise packages Brest, while PSG hauled themselves back into contention with a 3-0 win over RB Salzburg.
Saliba, who started his career at Saint-Etienne before enjoying loan spell at Nice and Marseille, has been keeping tabs on the French sides and hopes all three make it through to the next phase.
‘I’m happy,’ Saliba told Canal+. ‘I saw Brest yesterday, Paris too, and I saw that Lille won today.
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Arsenal FC v AS Monaco - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6
Bukayo Saka scored two goals in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Monaco
‘It feels good because there are some who don’t respect us. Even here in England, there are still some who talk about the Farmers League.
‘I hope they all qualify. I’m giving them very good publicity. All the French teams can qualify and I hope they continue.’
Arsenal, meanwhile, appear to be fully settled and reestablished as a credible Champions League side following a period of exile which spanned the reigns of Arsene Wenger, Unai Emery and Arteta.
‘I think we are enjoying our run, we keep learning,’ said Arteta after last night’s win extended their unbeaten home record in the competition.
‘Today’s a lot of learnings to take from this game, from the experience, learning from the team and obviously we need much more.
‘We need to go through certain moments, and I’m sure we will in the near future, but the fact that we can compete against any team that’s a positive thing to take, but understand how difficult it is to do it consistently in this competition.’
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