Bukayo Saka delivered a stellar performance, scoring twice as Arsenal extended their unbeaten home run in the UEFA Champions League to eight matches with a commanding 3-0 victory over Monaco at the Emirates Stadium. The win propels the Gunners into the top three of the league phase.
Both sides entered the game level on 10 points, with Arsenal eager to bounce back from their 1-1 draw at Fulham on Sunday. Despite a bright start, the Gunners initially struggled to break down Monaco’s defence. Gabriel Jesus came close twice in the first half, first missing a Jakub Kiwior long ball and then failing to convert a Gabriel Martinelli pass, both times denied by Monaco’s goalkeeper Radosław Majecki.
The breakthrough came in the 34th minute, with UCL debutant Myles Lewis-Skelly impressively outmanoeuvring Maghnes Akliouche before setting up Jesus, who provided a pinpoint cross for Saka to tap in at the far post. Martin Ødegaard missed a chance to double the lead before the interval, while Martinelli had to tread carefully after an early booking.
Monaco showed more intent after the break, with Thilo Kehrer heading wide from a set-piece and Breel Embolo missing a turning effort. However, 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 goal in the 78th minute.
Kai Havertz sealed the win in the 88th minute, redirecting Saka’s deflected shot following a clever quick free-kick.
Arsenal’s home scoring streak, stretching back to April, remains intact as they edge closer to the knockout stage. The Gunners now shift focus to Saturday’s Premier League clash against Everton, while Monaco aim to keep their top-eight UCL hopes alive in domestic action.
