Bukayo Saka’s brace inspires Arsenal to victory over Monaco in the Champions League | OneFootball

Bukayo Saka scored twice as Arsenal extended their unbeaten home run in the Champions League to eight matches with a commanding 3-0 victory over Monaco at the Emirates Stadium last night.

The win propelled the Gunners into the top three of the standings and on course to secure automatic progression to the knockout stage.

Despite a bright opening, the Gunners initially found it difficult to find a way through Monaco’s rearguard.

Gabriel Jesus had two close calls in the first half, heading over a long ball by Jakub Kiwior and failing to beat goalkeeper Radosław Majecki following a Gabriel Martinelli cut-back.

The breakthrough came in the 34th minute, with Champions League debutant Myles Lewis-Skelly impressively outmanoeuvring Maghnes Akliouche before setting up Jesus.

He provided a pinpoint cross for Saka to tap in at the far post. Martin Odegaard missed a chance to double the lead before the interval, while Martinelli had to tread carefully after an early booking.

Monaco were more purposeful after the break. Thilo Kehrer headed wide from a set-piece and Breel Embolo failed to connect with a turning effort.

Their attempt to play out from the back proved costly. A misjudged pass from Mohammed Salisu forced Majecki into an error, allowing Saka to pounce for his second in the 78th minute.

The result was sealed in the 88th minute when Kai Havertz turned in Saka’s deflected shot after a quick free-kick.