BUKAYO SAKA netted two goals as Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 victory against Monaco in the Champions League.
The Gunners missed several golden opportunities to secure the game in the first half, with Gabriel Jesus having difficulty with his finishing.
Despite this, Saka added two goals to his tally, complemented by an own goal from Thilo Kehrer, securing crucial three points that bolstered Arsenal’s pursuit of a top-eight finish.
Here’s how SunSport rated the players’ performances.
DAVID RAYA – 7/10
Generally untroubled throughout the match but made key saves when necessary.
Asserted himself in the penalty area and displayed excellent distribution, with only a few passing mistakes.
THOMAS PARTEY – 6
Showed an erratic display; some brilliant passes contributed to hazardous situations, yet he made a couple of errors.
Wasn’t challenged much by Monaco’s left flank.
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WILLIAM SALIBA – 7
Consistently solid in defense, as anticipated. Always deserving of a rating of at least seven out of ten.
JAKUB KIWIOR – 7
A commendable replacement for Gabriel; sharp in attack and defensively reliable. Just as capable as Saliba alongside him.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 9
Making his full Champions League debut at left-back, Lewis-Skelly delivered an impressive performance against Monaco.
He expertly navigated through Monaco’s pressure to send a precise pass to Jesus, who set up Saka for Arsenal‘s opening goal.
The home crowd gave him a standing ovation when he was substituted in the 64th minute.
DECLAN RICE – 7
Effectively interrupted play as is expected from him, frequently breaking up Monaco’s attacks.
Didn’t offer the same offensive threat as in past games, but that wasn’t his primary responsibility with Merino alongside him this time.
A very reliable choice as a Premier League or Champions League number six.
MIKEL MERINO – 4
Left a lot to be desired.
Arsenal fans might be left feeling unsatisfied with the Odegaard – Merino – Rice midfield combination, as the Spaniard seemed less than adequate.
Appeared slow and clumsy, receiving a caution.
MARTIN ODEGAARD – 5
Didn’t demonstrate his usual grace in the midfield for Arsenal.
Regrettably, his finishing failed him, missing two vital chances to extend their lead just before half-time.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 4
A first-half threat down the left wing, he could have laid off an assist if not for Arsenal’s number nine.
While he displayed moments of brilliance, his overall finishing was lacking.
BUKAYO SAKA – 8
Always found himself in the right position, he opened the scoring with a superb pass from Jesus.
Quickly seized on a goalkeeping error to slot the ball into the far corner, marking his seventh home Champions League goal in seven home matches—extremely clinical.
Added another assist to his name, as his shot deflected off Kai Havertz into the net near the match’s end.
GABRIEL JESUS – 5
Had opportunities to score twice in the first half but lacked composure, missing TWO significant one-on-one chances early on.
However, he redeemed himself with a quality assist for Saka’s opening goal.
SUBSTITUTES:
LEANDRO TROSSARD (GABRIEL MARTINELLI, 64) – 5
Made a similar impression as the player he replaced.
Had several touches in attacking situations but failed to leave a significant impact.
JORGINHO (DECLAN RICE, 64) – 6
Provided a composed presence in the Arsenal midfield, helping sustain possession.
Almost set up an assist for Nwaneri during stoppage time.
JURRIEN TIMBER (MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY, 64) – 6
Came on for the standout performer of the match, and Arsenal maintained their level.
Not as effective in advancing the ball as the Hale End graduate was tonight.
KAI HAVERTZ (GABRIEL JESUS, 73) – 8
Caused the goalkeeper to make an error leading to Saka’s second goal.
Debates continue on whether he got a touch on Arsenal’s third goal.
ETHAN NWANERI (MARTIN ODEGAARD, 79) – 5
Another solid outing from the young talent, showcasing bright promise.
Demonstrated good touches that thrilled the home crowd.