Arsenal vs Monaco LIVE: Champions League result and reaction after Bukayo Saka double helps hosts to victory
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Arsenal took another step towards the Champions League knockout rounds as Bukayo Saka struck twice to help beat Monaco.
The hosts climbed back into the top eight of the league phase table with a 3-0 victory that always looked likely to be secured. Saka opened the scoring amid a flurry of first-half chances after good work in the build-up from youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly, utilised at left-back on his first Champions League start, and Gabriel Jesus.
And it was the England star who put the result beyond doubt 12 minutes from time, capitalising on a horrendous error in possession from visiting goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki. Ten minutes later, a third arrived as Kai Havertz’s shin diverted a Saka drive into the roof of the net.
Three more points leave Arsenal well placed to secure a potentially vital top eight finish that would spare them the added inconvenience of a two-legged play-off fixture. They face Dinamo Zagreb and Girona in their final two fixtures in January.
Re-live all of the Champions League action in our live blog below:
GOAL! ARSENAL 3-0 Monaco (Kai Havertz, 88 minutes)
Arsenal take a free kick quickly and catch Monaco napping. Mikel Merino’s shot is blocked but Bukayo Saka’s effort looks bound for goal, taking a flick off the shin of Kai Havertz and then a defender’s boot to climb into the roof of the net.
Harry Latham-Coyle11 December 2024 21:48
Arsenal 2-0 Monaco, 86 minutes
Ethan Nwaneri drives from 25 yards right at Radoslaw Majecki.
Harry Latham-Coyle11 December 2024 21:46
Arsenal 2-0 Monaco, 84 minutes
A shame for Leandro Trossard, who slips just as he tries to release a shot after some lively interplay. Not quite Marc Cucurella-esque, but an untimely loss of footing nonetheless.
Harry Latham-Coyle11 December 2024 21:44
Arsenal 2-0 Monaco, 83 minutes
Can Monaco threaten a thrilling finish? It just feels like the nature of that goal has punctured any hope they had at 1-0.
Harry Latham-Coyle11 December 2024 21:42
Arsenal 2-0 Monaco, 80 minutes
Martin Odegaard is replaced by Ethan Nwaneri as Mikel Arteta wastes no time hauling his captain off with the game seemingly won.
Harry Latham-Coyle11 December 2024 21:40
GOAL! ARSENAL 2-0 Monaco (Bukayo Saka, 78 minutes)
A defensive nightmare for Monaco and Bukayo Saka capitalises!
That ought to seal it. Kai Havertz and Saka press high and hard, forcing Mohammed Salisu into a foolish pass back to his goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki. The Pole looks lost as ball and Havertz arrive upon him in unison, with his stab only landing at the feet of an alert Saka. In goes his, and Arsenal’s second.
Harry Latham-Coyle11 December 2024 21:38
Arsenal 1-0 Monaco, 74 minutes
Havertz’s first involvement is a good one, showing fine ball control to nimbly navigate between two Monaco defenders and liberate Leandro Trossard. Trossard again fails to connect with Martin Odegaard, though, and then blazes over the bar when the ball is returned to him.
Harry Latham-Coyle11 December 2024 21:34
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