Bukayo Saka emerged as Arsenal’s savior in a Champions League clash against Monaco, a match that saw the Gunners dominate possession and create numerous chances but struggle to convert them into goals. Prior to Saka’s intervention, Arsenal faced the unsettling prospect of a third consecutive game without a goal from open play across all competitions. However, Saka’s brace, punctuated by an own goal late in the game, ultimately secured a comfortable 3-0 victory for the Gunners. The win solidified Arsenal’s position in the Champions League group stage, putting them on course for a smooth passage to the knockout rounds.
While the scoreline suggested a dominant Arsenal performance, the reality was a mixed bag. Monaco proved to be surprisingly feeble in both defense and attack, offering little resistance to Arsenal’s advances. Yet, Arsenal’s profligacy in front of goal almost allowed the French side to stay in the contest. A catalogue of missed chances, including glaring sitters from Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegaard, and Gabriel Martinelli, kept the tension high at the Emirates Stadium. The lack of clinical finishing highlighted a recurring issue for Arsenal, raising concerns about their ability to capitalize on opportunities against stronger opposition.
Saka’s individual brilliance was the decisive factor in the game. His two goals demonstrated his composure and clinical finishing, qualities that were conspicuously absent in his teammates’ performances. The first goal came from a well-worked move down the left flank, culminating in a precise cross from Jesus that Saka expertly guided into the net. The second goal capitalized on a goalkeeping error, with Saka reacting swiftly to a fumble from Monaco’s Radoslaw Majecki. Beyond his goalscoring contributions, Saka’s overall performance was exemplary. He was a constant threat, consistently creating opportunities for himself and his teammates, and he ultimately capped off his night with an assist via a late own goal.
The match also marked a significant milestone for young Myles Lewis-Skelly, an 18-year-old academy graduate who made his Champions League debut. Thrust into the starting lineup due to Arsenal’s ongoing defensive injury crisis, Lewis-Skelly impressed with a confident display at left-back. He showed composure on the ball, making intelligent runs and contributing to Arsenal’s attacking play. His involvement in the build-up to Saka’s opening goal, where he cleverly evaded pressure and played a key pass to Jesus, further highlighted his potential. Lewis-Skelly received a standing ovation from the home crowd upon his substitution, a testament to his promising performance.
Despite the victory, concerns remain about Arsenal’s inconsistencies. Their midfield, featuring the highly anticipated trio of Odegaard, Mikel Merino, and Declan Rice, struggled to find their rhythm and lacked the fluidity expected of them. Odegaard, in particular, had an uncharacteristically off night, missing several clear-cut chances that could have put the game to bed much earlier. Similarly, Jesus’s ongoing goal drought continued, with the Brazilian striker squandering two golden opportunities in the first half. These missed chances underscored the need for Arsenal to improve their finishing if they are to seriously challenge on multiple fronts this season.
Ultimately, Arsenal’s victory over Monaco, while ultimately comfortable, revealed both the team’s strengths and weaknesses. Saka’s individual brilliance provided the spark that ignited their attack and secured the three points. However, the profligacy in front of goal and the midfield’s struggles to control the game suggest areas for improvement. While the win boosted their Champions League campaign, Arsenal will need to address these shortcomings if they aspire to compete at the highest level. The emergence of young talent like Lewis-Skelly offers a glimmer of hope for the future, but the team’s immediate success will depend on the consistency and clinical finishing of their more established players.
