Arsenal moved up to third in the UEFA Champions League with a 3-0 win over Monaco at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.
The Gunners – who are also third in the Premier League – moved behind only Liverpool and Barcelona thanks to a brace from Bukayo Saka and a strike by Kai Havertz.
While the scoreline makes it seem like Arsenal had it easy against Monaco, the French side performed well for most of the second half, making it tough for the Gunners to get a foothold on the game following the introduction of Takumi Minamino.
While the scoreline read 1-0 in that second half, Arsenal were fortunate not to concede a penalty after a foolish decision from Jakub Kiwior.
Arsenal should be thankful Takumi Minamino stayed on his feet
Early into the second half, the Poland international endured a moment of madness when he pulled on the shoulder of the Japan international as he surged into the box.
To his credit, Minamino stayed on his feet and continued the attack, but had the Monaco No.18 gone down, it almost certainly would’ve seen a penalty awarded.
Jakub Kiwior of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Arsenal FC and AS Monaco at Emirates Stadium on Dec...
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
In truth, Kiwior – who Arsenal signed in a £20m deal from Spezia back in January 2023 – was fortunate not to be penalised by VAR regardless, as the contact still slowed Minamino down.
Jakub Kiwior surely impressed Mikel Arteta
While the tug on Minamino was not very wise, the Arsenal No.15 delivered an impressive performance overall.
Kiwior, who struggled against Fulham in the 1-1 draw, should have got an assist after a fine pass over the top put Gabriel Jesus in on goal, only for the Brazil international to fluff his lines.
Jakub Kiwior of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Arsenal FC and AS Monaco at Emirates Stadium on De...
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
SofaScore shows that the Pole made three successful tackles as well, while he also won all three of his aerial duels and completed 90% of his passes, having attempted 62.
Furthermore, Kiwior – who could leave in 2025 – completed four of his attempted six long passes, proving he is capable of unlocking opponents by going direct, rather than passing into midfield every time.
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