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Arsenal secured a comfortable 3-0 win against AS Monaco in the UEFA Champions League at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, December 11. The result sees the Gunners move up to third in the table, while their visitors fall to 16th place in the table.
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Arsenal made a good start to the game as they looked to keep the ball for lenghty spells and push visitors Monaco onto the back foot. This worked well for the Gunners, who had nearly 60% possession of the ball, and also created several chances due to that. They attempted eight shots at goal in the first period, managing four on target as they looked to score.
Gabriel Jesus provided an assist for the hosts' first goal scored by Bukayo Saka in the 34th minute, which was the fruit of all of Arsenal's efforts. Monaco, on the other hand, attempted just two shots in the entire first period and managed to direct just one of those on target. With little attacking momentum in their favour, the visitors could not score as they trailed by a goal at the break.
The second half saw Monaco come out looking way more determined and driven to make a mark on the match. They played with more confidence and looked to keep the ball for longer spells with the hopes of finding an opening to score. However, their hopes were quashed by a resolute Arsenal side that defended deep and defended well despite missing key players.
The Gunners doubled their advantage midway through the second period as Saka made it a brace for himself with a composed finish. The winger then assisted Kai Havertz for 3-0 in the 88th minute as the hosts secured a crucial win on home soil. Monaco attempted five second-half shots but managed to direct just one of those on target as they fell to a morale-crushing defeat away from home.
On that note, let's take a look at the Gunners' player ratings.
Arsenal Player Ratings
David Raya - 7/10
Raya made two good saves for Arsenal between the sticks as he earned his clean sheet. He also made one high claim and played four long balls to spread out play for his teammates.
Thomas Partey - 7/10
He was again deployed at the right back spot due to injuries but played well. Partey won four duels, played one key pass and also completed one dribble.
William Saliba - 7/10
Saliba put in a good performance in defence for the Gunners, winning five of his seven duels, making three clearances and two tackles as well.
Jakub Kiwior - 7/10
The Pole put in a solid defensive display for the hosts. He won seven duels, including all three of his aerial duels, making three tackles and one clearance.
Myles Lewis-Skelly - 7/10
He put in a good performance at left back, winning four of his duels. He passed the ball with 96% accuracy and also completed two dribbles.
Martin Odegaard - 7/10
The Norwegian had a decent game for Arsenal, passing the ball with 93% accuracy in midfield, including one key pass and one accurate cross. He also made two interceptions.
Declan Rice - 7/10
Rice had a good game in midfield for Arsenal, passing the ball with 95% accuracy. He also won two duels and made two interceptions.
Mikel Merino - 7/10
Merino had a good game for the Gunners as he passed the ball with 85% accuracy. He also completed three dribbles past opponents and won five duels, making two interceptions in the process.
Bukayo Saka - 10/10
Saka put in a masterclass of a performance against Monaco. He scored two goals on either side of half-time to put his team in a commanding position, before assisting their third goal late in the match.
Gabriel Jesus - 7/10
Jesus provided an assist for the Gunners' first goal of the match. However, he lacked accuracy in front of goal as he fired three tame efforts on target. Jesus also won four duels.
Gabriel Martinelli - 6.5/10
Martinelli put in a subpar performance for his team on the left flank and was also shown a yellow card for a foul.
Substitutes
Jurrien Timber - 6.5/10
He replaced Lewis-Skelly in the second half and put in a good performance.
Jorginho - 6.5/10
He came on in place of Rice and helped Arsenal see out the result.
Leandro Trossard - 6.5/10
He replaced Martinelli and played well for the Gunners.
Kai Havertz - 7.5/10
He came on and made an instant impact for Arsenal by scoring a goal in a great cameo.
Ethan Nwaneri - 7/10
Nwaneri put in another electric substitute performance for his team.
