sportskeeda
BUKAYO SAKA scored twice as Arsenal achieved a comfortable 3-0 win over Monaco in the Champions League.
The Gunners missed several prime chances to wrap up the game in the first half, with Gabriel Jesus struggling to find his finishing touch.
4
4
However, Saka contributing two goals, alongside an own goal from Thilo Kehrer, ensured a vital three points that strengthened Arsenal’s quest for a top-eight finish.
Here’s how SunSport evaluated the players’ performances.
DAVID RAYA – 7/10
Mostly unchallenged during the game, but made key saves when required.
Confident dealing with aerial threats and showed good distribution, though he had a few passing mishaps.
THOMAS PARTEY – 6
Had a variable performance, with some great passes leading to promising attacks, but a few inaccurate ones as well.
Not heavily pressured by Monaco’s left side.
FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS
WILLIAM SALIBA – 7
Consistently reliable at the back as usual. A dependable presence, always deserving of at least a seven.
JAKUB KIWIOR – 7
A solid substitute for Gabriel, sharp with the ball and defensively sound. Just as capable as Saliba alongside him.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 9
Playing at left-back, Lewis-Skelly made his full Champions League debut for Arsenal against Monaco.
What an impressive debut it was! His brilliant play to evade pressure allowed him to set up Jesus, who assisted Saka for Arsenal‘s first goal.
He received a standing ovation from the home crowd upon being substituted after 64 minutes.
4
DECLAN RICE – 7
Efficacious in disrupting plays, consistently stepping in to thwart Monaco’s threats.
While he didn’t pose much of an attacking threat compared to previous matches, that wasn’t his main duty tonight with Merino beside him.
A very solid choice as a Premier League or Champions League defensive midfielder.
MIKEL MERINO – 4
Failed to make an impression.
Arsenal fans might be left wanting from the Odegaard – Merino – Rice midfield trio, feeling that the Spaniard fell short.
Came across as sluggish and cumbersome, earning a yellow card.
MARTIN ODEGAARD – 5
Did not showcase his usual elegance in midfield for Arsenal.
Unfortunately, his finishing was lacking tonight, squandering two critical chances to further the lead around halftime.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 4
A threat down the left in the first half, he should have tallied an assist if not for the struggles of Arsenal’s number nine.
He showed brief moments of brilliance, but his overall finishing was subpar.
BUKAYO SAKA – 8
Always in the correct position, he opened the scoring following a brilliant assist from Jesus.
Quickly took advantage of a goalkeeper’s mistake to place the shot into the far corner for his seventh home Champions League goal in just seven home matches—exceptionally clinical.
Contributed another assist as his shot deflected off Kai Havertz into the net towards the end of the match.
GABRIEL JESUS – 5
Missed two significant one-on-one opportunities in the first half due to his indecisiveness.
However, he redeemed himself with a quality assist setting up Saka’s opening goal.
4
SUBSTITUTES:
LEANDRO TROSSARD (GABRIEL MARTINELLI, 64) – 5
Performed similarly to the player he replaced.
Had several touches in attacking scenarios but did not significantly influence the game.
JORGINHO (DECLAN RICE, 64) – 6
Provided calmness in Arsenal’s midfield, aiding in maintaining possession when he received the ball.
Almost set up an assist for Nwaneri in stoppage time.
JURRIEN TIMBER (MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY, 64) – 6
Filled in for the standout performer of the match, and Arsenal maintained their level of play.
His ability to advance the ball was not as effective compared to the Hale End graduate tonight.
KAI HAVERTZ (GABRIEL JESUS, 73) – 8
Forced the goalkeeper into a mistake that contributed to Saka’s second goal.
There’s ongoing debate about whether he touched Arsenal’s third goal.
ETHAN NWANERI (MARTIN ODEGAARD, 79) – 5
Another promising display from the young Arsenal talent, showcasing his potential.
Exhibited fine touches that delighted the home fans.
