Arsenal took a significant step toward the UEFA Champions League knockout stage with a commanding 3-0 victory over AS Monaco on Wednesday, spearheaded by a stellar performance from Bukayo Saka.
Mikel Arteta’s side entered the match under pressure, sitting outside the top eight in the expanded league stage and needing a strong result to keep their qualification hopes on track.
Saka delivered decisively, ensuring Arsenal climbed to third place with two matches remaining, though the team’s finishing left room for improvement.
The breakthrough came in the 34th minute, courtesy of Gabriel Jesus, whose assist set up Saka for the opener.
The 22-year-old winger later secured his second goal in the 78th minute, easing nerves as Arsenal’s earlier missed opportunities threatened to derail their momentum.
Kai Havertz sealed the win in the 88th minute, marking Arsenal’s fourth victory in six group-stage matches.
Monaco, level on points with Arsenal before kickoff, now sit 16th in the standings with 10 points, while Arsenal’s tally rises to 13.
Arteta’s lineup featured 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly making his Champions League debut at left-back.
The youngster played a pivotal role in the first goal, showing composure and vision to bypass Monaco’s defense with a precise pass to Jesus, who delivered a low cross that Saka converted with ease.
Despite dominating the first half, Arsenal’s profligacy kept Monaco within reach.
Martin Ødegaard—capitalizing on a defensive error by Soungoutou Magassa—appeared poised to double the lead, but his shot narrowly missed the target.
Gabriel Jesus, struggling with his finishing this season, squandered two promising chances, including a one-on-one effort denied by Monaco goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki.
Gabriel Martinelli also missed a critical opportunity, leaving Arsenal just 1-0 up at halftime.
Monaco’s brief resurgence after the break saw former Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino fire a close-range shot straight at Arsenal’s goalkeeper David Raya, while Thilo Kehrer’s header from a free kick drifted wide.
However, their resistance crumbled in the 78th minute, when a defensive misstep by Mohammed Salisu gifted Saka his ninth goal of the season, effectively putting the match beyond reach.
Havertz added the final flourish, capping off a strong team performance and solidifying Arsenal’s place in the upper ranks of the group standings.
While the win highlighted Arsenal’s attacking prowess and determination, the evening also exposed moments of wastefulness that Arteta will look to address as the tournament progresses.
With two games left to play, Arsenal are well-positioned to secure their spot in the next round, while Monaco face an uphill battle to keep their Champions League campaign alive.
