Arsenal vs Monaco LIVE: Champions League result and reaction after Bukayo Saka double helps hosts to victory
Arsenal 3-0 Monaco: Kai Havertz added a third goal late on as Mikel Arteta’s side continued their strong Champions League campaign
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Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal took another step towards the Champions League knockout rounds as Bukayo Saka struck twice to help beat Monaco.
The hosts climbed back into the top eight of the league phase table with a 3-0 victory that always looked likely to be secured. Saka opened the scoring amid a flurry of first-half chances after good work in the build-up from youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly, utilised at left-back on his first Champions League start, and Gabriel Jesus.
And it was the England star who put the result beyond doubt 12 minutes from time, capitalising on a horrendous error in possession from visiting goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki. Ten minutes later, a third arrived as Kai Havertz’s shin diverted a Saka drive on to Thilo Kehrer’s foot and into the roof of the net.
Three more points leave Arsenal well placed to secure a potentially vital top eight finish that would spare them the added inconvenience of a two-legged play-off fixture. They face Dinamo Zagreb and Girona in their final two fixtures in January.
Re-live all of the Champions League action in our live blog below:
Special Bukayo Saka hits new heights to show Arsenal a clear route forward
Bukayo Saka continues to show the way, as well as new levels. Arsenal have recently been a team in need of a bit of stability and sense of comfort, and this 3-0 win over AS Monaco duly offered them a straight line into the Champions League last 16.
They have leapt to fourth in this expanded Champions League group stage with four wins from six, although that in a table where everyone down to eight has 13 points, ninth-place Borussia Dortmund have 11 and 19th-placed Club Brugge. have 10, with the top eight going through. A bit of nerve is going to be required to keep them there, which was why the manner of this victory was all the more important.
Special Bukayo Saka hits new heights to show Arsenal a clear route forward
Arsenal 3-0 Monaco: Saka struck twice as Mikel Arteta’s side closed in on the Champions League knockout rounds
Mikel Arteta speaks to TNT Sports after Arsenal’s 3-0 win
“I’m very happy with this. Extremely happy. We started the game really well, we couold have put the game to bed in the first half. We had a period of time where we weren’t precise enough and we suffered, but from the second goal the game was under control. We’re happy to have the three points.
“We want to be a threat in every phase of play. It’s a great highlight for Myles to make his Champions League debut. The subs helped us, gave us energy and a little bit more structure.
“What I like about Myles is his confidence, the positions he takes and how he penetrates with the ball. He’s one of our own. It’s a nice feeling to be able to help somebody change their life.”
“Bukayo looks really mature. His goal involvements this season are ridiculous. That’s him - very humble, a great guy to have around the place and a great talent. He’s a special person. His leadership is increasing. He’s loved by everybody and on the pitch he is making a difference for us.”
And here are Bukayo Saka and Myles Lewis-Skelly chatting to TNT Sports
Saka says: “I just said to [Myles] that this is his level, have no doubts and play with confidence. He was a big part of the first goal.
“His future is very bright. He’s always asking questions and looking to learn. I’m so proud of him.”
And Lewis-Skelly beams: “I saw the ball getting switched over by Martin, I saw I was getting pressed so I thought, ‘stay calm and take the ball away from him’. A great ball from Gabriel and Bukayo is always there to tap in.
“I’m proud of myself. I’ve come a long way and I want to thank everyone. Hopefully it’s the first of many. Bukayo has everything. I’ve learned a lot from him and I want to keep learning from him.”
FT: Arsenal 3-0 Monaco
Comfortable enough, in the end, for Arsenal, who climb up to third in the Champions League table and look strongly placed to avoid a playoff tie. Dinamo Zagreb and Girona to come - without being dismissive of either side, Mikel Arteta will surely feel very confident about his side’s prospects.
GOAL! ARSENAL 3-0 Monaco (Kai Havertz, 88 minutes)
A third!
Arsenal take a free kick quickly and catch Monaco napping. Mikel Merino’s shot is blocked but Bukayo Saka’s effort looks bound for goal, taking a flick off the shin of Kai Havertz and then a defender’s boot to climb into the roof of the net.
Arsenal 2-0 Monaco, 86 minutes
Ethan Nwaneri drives from 25 yards right at Radoslaw Majecki.
Arsenal 2-0 Monaco, 84 minutes
A shame for Leandro Trossard, who slips just as he tries to release a shot after some lively interplay. Not quite Marc Cucurella-esque, but an untimely loss of footing nonetheless.
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