Arsenal recorded an easy 3-0 win against AS Monaco in the UEFA Champions League as they took another step towards Round of 16 qualification.
The Gunners now have 13 points from six group-stage games and are in a good position to avoid the playoff round by securing a top-eight finish.
Bukayo Saka was the star of the show for Arsenal as he scored a brace at the Emirates to spearhead his side to win, while Kai Havertz added a late goal to add gloss to the scoreline.
And Nigel Reo-Coker feels Saka’s mannerisms are slowly changing this season as he continues to grow in stature for Arsenal.
Bukayo Saka praised for new-found ‘arrogance’ at Arsenal
Bukayo Saka #7 of Arsenal FC in action with Calo Henrique #12 of AS Monaco during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between ...
Photo by Xavier Laine/Getty Images
Myles Lewis-Skelly earned rave reviews for his performance for Arsenal, but it was Saka who grabbed headlines with his goals.
After being set up by the Arsenal youngster, he tapped the ball home from close range in the first half and added another one late in the game after a mix-up in the Monaco backline.
On top of that, Saka was up to the task and was seen defending his teammates when they were involved in scuffles, which has been the case quite often this season.
The England international has also captained the club in Martin Odegaard’s absence as he found himself on the sidelines with an ankle injury.
Reo-Coker believes the aforementioned qualities are proof that Saka is slowly coming out of his shell as he continues to establish himself as a global superstar.
“I’ve never had an issue with his talent and ability,” said Reo-Coker on CBS Sport after the game.
“I’ve always felt he was too nice – he always needed that bit of edge and arrogance about him. Everyone knows you’re one of the main men for Arsenal and you need to show that dirty side.
“He is going from a prince to becoming a king. That is what I see in him now.” 💯
Nigel Reo-Coker praises Bukayo Saka for his stellar performance in Arsenal’s 3-0 #UCL victory over Monaco 👑 pic.twitter.com/gynFm30LWt
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) December 12, 2024
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“He’s starting to show that dirty side and grow into a leader as well – when Arsenal players get into little entanglements on the pitch, he’s getting involved in there and not being a shy boy anymore.
“He’s going from a prince to becoming a king – that’s what I see in him now.”
Saka’s stats this season
He has been Arsenal’s main man this season and has played pretty much every game for the club as the Gunners don’t have a like-for-like replacement for him.
Bukayo Saka stats Apps Goals Assists Mins played
Premier League 14 5 10 1.162′
UEFA Champions League 5 4 2 433′
EFL Cup 2 – – 99′
He has already scored nine goals and set up 12 more, which is an impressive record at this stage of the season.
Arsenal fans all referred to Saka as world-class after his performance against Monaco and his form will be crucial if they are to compete on all fronts this season.
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