Evening Standard
·11 December 2024
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Yahoo sportsEvening Standard
·11 December 2024
Mikel Arteta’s side take big step towards automatic qualification
Arsenal have taken a giant step towards securing a place in the Champions League last-16 after recording a 3-0 win over Monaco as Bukayo Saka netted a brace before turning provider for Kai Havertz in the closing stages.
However, despite the margin of victory, the Gunners’ profligacy in front of goal will no doubt be of concern to Mikel Arteta as his side ought to have had the game wrapped up by half-time but Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli were guilty of missing some guilt-edged opportunities. That gave the visitors confidence and they improved after the break.
Tilo Kehrer and Breel Embolo both passed up presentable chances but ultimately the game was put out of the Ligue 1 outfit’s reach with those two late goals as the North London club enjoyed the perfect night as they move on to 13 points in this new Champions League league phase and are very much on course to qualify for the last 16 with Dinamo Zagreb and Girona to come in the new year.