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:
Arsenal 1-0 Monaco, 59 minutes
Arsenal’s large men assemble themselves for a corner routine, but the blockers aren’t in place to prevent Radoslaw Majecki palming away with an outstretched right arm.
Arsenal 1-0 Monaco, 57 minutes
Perhaps in recognition of that threat, Arsenal lift the intensity, Mohammed Salisu just about sorting his feet out to skew Gabriel Martinelli’s dangerous cross behind.
Arsenal 1-0 Monaco, 55 minutes
Monaco haven’t necessarily looked a major threat in open play so far, particularly since the first 15 minutes, but that is better: Vanderson draws a corner out of Jakub Kiwior with Breel Embolo lurking.
The set piece lands in the hands of David Raya.
Arsenal 1-0 Monaco, 53 minutes
Gabriel Martinelli tricks his way down to an advanced crossing position in the left corner, though can’t pick out a teammate.
Arsenal 1-0 Monaco, 51 minutes
Not Takumi Minamino’s best minute. The Japan midfielder first blasts a volley on to Highbury Fields, leaning back much too far as he strikes, before being caught so far offside that the referee is blowing up before his assistant even raises his flag.
Arsenal 1-0 Monaco, 49 minutes
Aside from the goal, Bukayo Saka has been relatively quiet tonight, with much of Arsenal’s best build-up play favouring the other wing. He’s a little frustrated when he runs out of room after an exchange of passes with Thomas Partey.
Arsenal 1-0 Monaco, 47 minutes
Close! Thilo Kehrer rubs his head in anguish having broken free of the Arsenal defence to steer Lamine Camara’s free kick towards goal. Not far away at all from the former West Ham man!
Arsenal 1-0 Monaco, 46 minutes
Early intent from Arsenal, and Gabriel Jesus should really play a better pass through to Gabriel Martinelli. It’s on his colleagues heels rather than toes, though, allowing Monaco to recover and clear.
Second half...
The players are back out there, with Gabriel Martinelli amongst them even after dicing with danger at the end of the first 45 minutes having been cautioned early.
A change for Monaco: Takumi Minamino adds a little extra midfield creativity and experience at the expense of Soungoutou Magassa.
HT: Arsenal 1-0 Monaco
Arsenal firmly on top, then, having found their groove as the half wore on to cut a pretty disorganised Monaco defence apart. Could their profligacy prove costly, though? The hosts have squandered at least three excellent openings.
Bukayo Saka’s goal was, however, rather tidily taken:
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