Arsenal moved up to third place in the Champions League table after securing a convincing 3-0 victory over Monaco at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.
Bukayo Saka was the star of the show, netting twice before helping to set up a third goal that deflected in off Kai Havertz.
The win takes the Gunners to 13 points in the league phase, putting them in a strong position with favourable fixtures against Dinamo Zagreb and Girona still to come.
Arsenal’s academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly impressed on his first Champions League start, playing a crucial role in the opening goal as Mikel Arteta’s side dominated the French visitors.
Bukayo Saka scored twice and was pivotal to a third as Arsenal won 3-0
Reuters
Arsenal broke the deadlock in the 34th minute through a well-worked move initiated by teenage defender Lewis-Skelly.
The 18-year-old academy graduate showed remarkable composure to escape Maghnes Akilouche before delivering an incisive pass that cut through Monaco’s defence.
Gabriel Jesus collected the ball and played a teasing cross across the box, allowing Saka to tap home at the far post for his eighth goal of the season.
The goal highlighted Lewis-Skelly’s unfazed performance, as the youngster had been initially targeted by Monaco as a potential weak link in Arsenal’s injury-hit defence.
His teammates celebrated enthusiastically with the teenager, acknowledging his pivotal role in creating the opener.
Despite taking the lead, Arsenal’s first-half performance was marked by several missed opportunities that could have put the game beyond doubt.
Gabriel Jesus squandered two excellent chances in one-on-one situations against Monaco goalkeeper Radosław Majecki.
Martin Odegaard had perhaps the most glaring miss of the half, dragging his shot wide when clean through on goal.
It was a job well done by Arsenal on Wednesday night
Reuters
Gabriel Martinelli also failed to capitalise on a promising position, curling his low effort off target.
By the time referee Davide Massa blew for half-time, the Gunners could have been four goals ahead.
Monaco’s early confidence had diminished significantly, though their brief period of early possession and a fierce effort from Aleksandr Golovin that flew narrowly wide showed glimpses of their threat.
Arsenal’s dominance was finally rewarded with a second goal in the 78th minute, courtesy of a Monaco defensive error.
Bukayo Saka was in top form for Arsenal
Reuters
Mohammed Salisu’s misplaced pass left his goalkeeper exposed, allowing Saka to capitalise and secure his brace.
Kai Havertz then added a third late on, turning in Saka’s strike to complete the scoring.
Lewis-Skelly’s impressive full Champions League debut earned him an 8/10 rating, with the youngster excelling after being selected ahead of the more experienced Kieran Tierney.
The 18-year-old looked assured throughout before being replaced by Jurrien Timber, having proven himself more than capable at the highest level.
The victory strengthens Arsenal’s position in the Champions League, with qualification for the knockout stages now looking increasingly likely.
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