Bukayo Saka’s brace helped Arsenal secure a 3-0 win over Monaco on Wednesday, moving them closer to the Champions League last 16.
Saka scored late in each half, with Kai Havertz adding a third in the final minutes at the Emirates Stadium.
The win lifted Arsenal to third place in their group, with two matches remaining, putting them in control for a top-eight finish and automatic progression to the knockout stages.
Despite injuries to several key defenders, including Gabriel Magalhães and Ben White, Arsenal fielded a makeshift defense.
Thomas Partey started at right-back, and 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly made his second start at left-back.
Saka opened the scoring in the 34th minute after a clever pass from Gabriel Jesus, who had struggled with his finishing but contributed to the goal.
Arsenal wasted several chances, including a missed opportunity from Martin Ødegaard before half-time.
Monaco nearly equalized early in the second half with a header from Thilo Kehrer, but it was wide.
Arsenal’s defense showed vulnerability, with Takumi Minamino and Breel Embolo testing goalkeeper David Raya.
However, Saka sealed the victory in the 78th minute when Monaco keeper Radoslaw Majecki failed to clear, allowing Saka to score into an empty net.
Havertz added a third in the 88th minute after Saka’s shot was parried.
The win gave Arsenal a much-needed boost after a recent 1-1 draw with Fulham.
Article updated 1 month ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
