Evening Standard
·11 dicembre 2024
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·11 dicembre 2024
Gunners miss chances but take major step towards automatic qualification
Bukayo Saka’s double ensured Arsenal remained well on track for a top-eight Champions League finish after a 3-0 victory over Monaco.
Saka opened the scoring midway through the first-half of a game that would have been over by the break had the home side not wasted several fine chances.
Monaco rallied after the interval and a nervy finish appeared in store until some poor defensive play gifted Saka a second and Arsenal some breathing space, before substitute Kai Havertz flicked home late on.
The win leaves Arsenal third on 13 points in the Champions League table with games against Dinamo Zagreb and Girona to come.
Here’s how Mikel Arteta’s side rated at the Emirates...
David Raya 5
Uncharacteristically poor distribution invited pressure during tricky period at the start of the second half.
Thomas Partey 6
Again asked to do a job at right-back and did it without any great alarm.
William Saliba 6
Untroubled by Embolo until dreadful pass led to glorious chance for Monaco striker to level.
Jakub Kiwior 6
Booming ball in behind should have been finished by Jesus. Solid in the main, even if he doesn't have the presence of Gabriel.
A first Champions League start for the academy graduate. Played the Zinchenko role, inverting into midfield. Brilliant pass through the lines in build-up to opener. Clearly has trust of senior teammates.
Myles Lewis-Skelly impressed on his first start in the Champions League
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Martin Odegaard 7
Slid wide when running through after good work to nick it on halfway. Slick as ever.
Declan Rice 6
Back at No6 but still managed some powerful bursts through the midfield.
Mikel Merino 6
First time starting in the midfield combination that was presumed would be first-choice when he signed. Gave it a natural balance on the left of the three. Booked.
Bukayo Saka 8
Slightly off it in the opening half-hour but showed good anticipation to attack the back post for his goal. Never going to miss the second either. Now has 21 goal involvements in as many games this season.
Bukayo Saka scored twice against Monaco
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Trademark Jesus in the first half. Missed two great chances, the first of them particularly glaring, but then produced perfect cross for Saka’s goal.
Gabriel Martinelli 5
More of a threat with Arsenal attack less lopsided but another who spurned a gilt-edged chance. Booked midway through the first-half and lucky not to see a second yellow before half-time.
Substitutes
Jurrien Timber (Lewis-Skelly 64’) 7
Would surely have sat this out in an ideal world but needed after Gunners failed to put game to bed.
Jorginho (Rice 64’) 6
Experience was handy as Arsenal regained control.
Leandro Trossard (Martinelli 64’) 6
Twice wasted good breakaways opportunities with poor passes.
Kai Havertz (Jesus 73’) 7
Pressing made the clinching goal, then added a third with fine flick.
Ethan Nwaneri (Odegaard 79’) N/A
Unused: Setford, Tierney, Heaven, Robinson, Monlouis, Sterling.