sportbible
BUKAYO SAKA scored twice as Arsenal dominated Monaco, securing a 3-0 win in the Champions League.
The Gunners wasted several prime chances to put the game away in the first half, with Gabriel Jesus struggling in front of goal.
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Nevertheless, Saka managed to score a brace, complemented by an own goal from Thilo Kehrer, clinching vital three points that strengthened Arsenal’s push for a top-eight finish.
Here’s a look at how SunSport evaluated the players’ performances.
DAVID RAYA – 7/10
Mainly unchallenged throughout the game, he stepped up when required.
Assertive in the box, he showcased good distribution, with only minor inaccuracies in his passing.
THOMAS PARTEY – 6
Turned in a mixed display, providing some brilliant passes leading to dangerous situations, yet had a few that missed the mark.
Wasn’t notably tested by Monaco’s left side.
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WILLIAM SALIBA – 7
Consistently robust at the back as anticipated. A dependable performer, always a safe bet for at least a seven out of ten.
JAKUB KIWIOR – 7
A commendable substitute for Gabriel, demonstrating sharpness in possession and reliability defensively. Just as effective as Saliba at his side.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 9
Playing as a left-back, Lewis-Skelly marked his full Champions League debut with an impressive performance against Monaco.
His brilliant play under pressure facilitated a perfect assist to Jesus, leading to Saka’s opening goal.
He received a standing ovation from the home crowd upon being substituted after 64 minutes.
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DECLAN RICE – 7
Effectively broke up Monaco’s rhythm, consistently stepping in to disrupt their advances.
His attacking threat wasn’t as prominent as in previous outings, but this wasn’t his main responsibility with Merino alongside him.
He remains a sound choice as a Premier League or Champions League number six.
MIKEL MERINO – 4
Left a lot to be desired.
Arsenal fans may be underwhelmed by the Odegaard – Merino – Rice midfield trio, finding the Spaniard somewhat sluggish.
He appeared slow and cumbersome, and received a booking.
MARTIN ODEGAARD – 5
Didn’t showcase his typical poise in the midfield for Arsenal.
Sadly, he missed two key chances just before halftime that could have extended their lead.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 4
A significant threat down the left in the first half, he could have set up a goal if it weren’t for Arsenal’s striker.
While he showed flashes of brilliance, his overall finishing was disappointing.
BUKAYO SAKA – 8
Always positioned well, he netted the opening goal following a brilliant assist across the box from Jesus.
He quickly took advantage of a goalkeeping blunder to tuck it away in the corner for his seventh home Champions League goal in as many home games—remarkably clinical.
He also contributed another assist, as his shot was deflected into the net by Kai Havertz towards the end of the match.
GABRIEL JESUS – 5
Could have found the net twice in the first half had it not been for his lack of composure, squandering TWO critical one-on-one chances early on.
However, he atoned for his misses with a quality assist for Saka’s first goal.
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SUBSTITUTES:
LEANDRO TROSSARD (GABRIEL MARTINELLI, 64) – 5
Similar to the player he replaced.
Had several touches in forward positions but did not influence the game significantly.
JORGINHO (DECLAN RICE, 64) – 6
Provided calm in the midfield, aiding possession retention.
Almost set up an assist for Nwaneri during stoppage time.
JURRIEN TIMBER (MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY, 64) – 6
Filled in for the standout player on the pitch without a significant drop in Arsenal’s performance level.
Not as effective in promoting play forward as the Hale End product was.
KAI HAVERTZ (GABRIEL JESUS, 73) – 8
Came into the game, forcing the goalkeeper into a mistake that set up Saka’s second goal.
There’s some debate over whether he made contact with Arsenal’s third goal.
ETHAN NWANERI (MARTIN ODEGAARD, 79) – 5
Another decent performance from the young talent, showcasing promising potential.
Made good touches that delighted the home crowd.
