Bukayo Saka struck a brace as Arsenal shrugged off injury concerns and secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Monaco in the Champions League. The winger then grabbed a late assist as his wayward effort deflected in off substitute Kai Havertz.
Arsenal‘s triumph was extremely important as they rose to 13 points in the league phase. Favourable fixtures against Dinamo Zagreb and Girona mean Mikel Arteta’s side are on the brink of automatically qualifying for the knockout stage, likely ending any prospect of a play-off tie.
Despite Saka’s two goals, it was another academy graduate who shone at the Emirates Stadium. Here is how Express Sport rated Arteta’s stars…
David Raya – 6
Raya had little to do on a comfortable night for the Arsenal goalkeeper.
Thomas Partey – 6
Partey overcame late fitness doubts and performed well at right-back.
William Saliba – 6
This was another solid performance by Saliba. In truth, aside from a brief period midway through the second half, Arsenal were barely tested by the French side.
Jakub Kiwior – 7
Polish star Kiwior deserves huge credit for coming into a disjointed Arsenal defence and playing superbly. He looked assured on the ball and did well defensively.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8
This was the night Lewis-Skelly earned the trust of Arteta. Picked ahead of the more experienced Kieran Tierney, the 18-year-old academy graduate excelled. His wonderful turn in midfield and pass to Gabriel Jesus set up Saka’s goal.
Declan Rice – 7
Rice enjoyed plenty of space in the deepest midfield position. He shielded a makeshift back four very well.
Martin Odegaard – 6
This was a typically all-action display from Arsenal’s captain but he was guilty of missing an excellent chance in the first half. One-on-one with goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki, Odegaard dragged his effort well wide of the post.
Mikel Merino – 7
Merino produced his best performance in an Arsenal shirt so far. Linking play with the Gunners’ forward players, a couple of turns in midfield while under extreme pressure caught the eye.
Bukayo Saka – 8
When Arsenal win tight matches, it tends to be Saka who gets on the scoresheet. The Arsenal No. 7 made a trademark run to the back post to slide home Jesus’ cross, and then capitalised on an error and some good pressing by Kai Havertz to secure an important three points.
Gabriel Jesus – 5
Jesus got the assist for Saka’s goal but should have had a couple more himself. This was a great advert for Arsenal needing a new striker.
Gabriel Martinelli – 6
Martinelli also should have had a goal, firing wide when played into the penalty area. However, his all-round game was impressive.
Substitutes
Jurrien Timber – 6
Another player who was a doubt for this game after missing training, Timber replaced Lewis-Skelly and played well.
Jorginho – 6
Rice earned a much-needed break, allowing Jorginho to take control in midfield.
Leandro Trossard – 6
Trossard was guilty of slowing down a couple of attacks after replacing Martinelli. However, it was his looping cross which led to the third goal.
Kai Havertz – 8
Havertz’s excellent pressing forced Majecki into an error, with Saka taking advantage by firing home. The tables then turned as the German converted Saka’s half-volley.
Ethan Nwaneri – 6
Nwaneri produced a couple of nice moments but the game was won by the time of his introduction.
Source link
