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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Arsenal 3-0 Monaco: Bukayo Saka delivers to put Gunners on the brink of Champions League qualification

Bukayo Saka netted a brace in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Monaco in the Champions League. - (Getty Images)

Arsenal have taken a giant step towards securing a place in the Champions League last-16 after recording a 3-0 win over Monaco.

Bukayo Saka was the Gunners’ hero as he netted a brace before turning provider for Kai Havertz in the closing stages as the German’s deflected effort added gloss to the scoreline.

However, despite the margin of victory, Arsenal’s profligacy in front of goal will no doubt be of concern to Mikel Arteta as his side ought to have had the game wrapped up by half-time but Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli were guilty of missing some guilt-edged opportunities.

That gave the visitors confidence and they improved after the break. Tilo Kehrer and Breel Embolo both passed up presentable chances but ultimately the game was put out of the Ligue 1 outfit’s reach with those two late goals as the North London club enjoyed the perfect night.

The big team news ahead of kick-off was the inclusion of talented youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly. The 18-year-old has been trusted in some huge games already this season and got the nod over Kieran Tierney at left-back.

That was one of four changes to the side that started the 1-1 draw with Fulham at the weekend as Arteta decided to freshen things up by recalling Mikel Merino, Martinelli and Jesus.

Those decisions were vindicated as Arsenal move on to 13 points in this new Champions League league phase and are very much on course to qualify for the last 16 with Dinamo Zagreb and Girona to come in the new year.

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