DailySun
BUKAYO SAKA netted twice as Arsenal secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Monaco in the Champions League.
The Gunners squandered numerous golden opportunities to wrap up the match in the first half, with Gabriel Jesus struggling to find his rhythm in front of goal.
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Nevertheless, Saka added two goals, complemented by an own goal from Thilo Kehrer, securing essential three points that bolstered Arsenal’s aspirations for a top-eight finish.
Here’s how SunSport assessed the players’ performances.
DAVID RAYA – 7/10
Generally untroubled throughout the match but performed admirably when needed.
Commanded the penalty area and exhibited strong distribution, with only a handful of passing missteps.
THOMAS PARTEY – 6
Displayed an inconsistent performance, showcasing some excellent passes leading to dangerous plays, but also a few errors.
Wasn’t notably challenged by Monaco’s left flank.
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WILLIAM SALIBA – 7
Consistently solid in defense, as expected. Always earns at least a seven out of ten.
JAKUB KIWIOR – 7
A commendable replacement for Gabriel; sharp in possession and dependable defensively. Equally competent as Saliba alongside him.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 9
Playing at left-back, Lewis-Skelly made his full Champions League debut against Monaco.
What a debut it turned out to be! A brilliant play under pressure allowed him to deliver a precise ball to Jesus, who assisted Saka for Arsenal‘s first goal.
He received a standing ovation from the home crowd when he was substituted after 64 minutes.
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DECLAN RICE – 7
Efficiently disrupted play as is customary, frequently stepping in to stall Monaco’s advances.
Did not pose as much of an attacking threat as in previous matches, but that was not his main role alongside Merino tonight.
A very reliable choice as a Premier League or Champions League number six.
MIKEL MERINO – 4
Left much to be desired.
Arsenal fans may be somewhat displeased with the Odegaard – Merino – Rice midfield trio, finding the Spaniard somewhat lacking.
Appeared clumsy and slow, and received a booking.
MARTIN ODEGAARD – 5
Didn’t exhibit his usual finesse in midfield for Arsenal.
Unfortunately, his finishing was poor, as he missed two crucial chances to extend their lead near half-time.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 4
A threat down the left in the first half, he could have set up a goal if not for Arsenal’s number nine.
Though he flashed moments of brilliance, his overall finishing was below par.
BUKAYO SAKA – 8
Consistently found the right positions, opening the scoring after a superb pass from Jesus.
Quickly capitalized on a goalkeeper error to slot into the far corner for his seventh home Champions League goal in seven home outings—exceptionally clinical.
Contributed another assist as his shot deflected off Kai Havertz into the net at the game’s conclusion.
GABRIEL JESUS – 5
Could have scored twice in the first half had he maintained his composure, missing TWO vital one-on-one situations early on.
Nonetheless, he redeemed himself with a quality assist for Saka’s opening goal.
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SUBSTITUTES:
LEANDRO TROSSARD (GABRIEL MARTINELLI, 64) – 5
Had a similar impact as the player he replaced.
Involved in several attacking plays but did not make a lasting impression.
JORGINHO (DECLAN RICE, 64) – 6
Provided a steady presence in midfield, helping to retain possession.
Nearly set up an assist for Nwaneri during stoppage time.
JURRIEN TIMBER (MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY, 64) – 6
Stepped in for the standout performer, maintaining Arsenal’s level of play.
Not as effective in advancing the ball as the Hale End graduate this evening.
KAI HAVERTZ (GABRIEL JESUS, 73) – 8
Forced a mistake from the goalkeeper leading to Saka’s second goal.
There’s debate over whether he had a touch on Arsenal’s third goal.
ETHAN NWANERI (MARTIN ODEGAARD, 79) – 5
Another solid display from the young talent, showcasing promising potential.
Showed good touches that pleased the home crowd.
