The winger scored twice and provided an assist as Mikel Arteta’s men overcame some poor finishing to defeat the side from the principality. Bukayo Saka netted twice, helping Arsenal take a significant step toward automatic qualification for the Champions League last 16 with a crucial 3-0 win against Monaco on Wednesday night.

The hosts dominated the first half but squandered several golden opportunities, with Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, and Gabriel Martinelli all failing to convert clean chances. However, Mikel Arteta’s side managed to take the lead into the break, with Saka finishing a lovely move after being perfectly set up at the back post by Jesus’ precise cross.

The second period was a nervy affair for Arsenal, who looked unusually sluggish at times, and they were fortunate not to concede an equaliser when Breel Embolo sent one effort inches past the post with David Raya beaten.

But Saka’s second goal of the night 12 minutes from time settled the nerves, with the winger punishing the visitors following a mix up between Mohammed Salisu and goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki.

Substitute Kai Havertz added a third in the closing stages from Saka’s cross as Arsenal claimed the win which moved them up to third in the Champions League league phase table, with games against Dinamo Zagreb and Girona still to come..

GOAL rates Arsenal’s players from Emirates Stadium…

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Goalkeeper & Defence

David Raya (8/10):

Excellent as always. Didn’t have much to do in terms of saving shots, but his handling and distribution was spot on.

Thomas Partey (7/10):

Continues to fill in well at right-back. Solid display, got forward when he could.

William Saliba (7/10):

Relatively comfortable all evening. Handled Embolo well.

Jakub Kiwior (6/10):

Got caught out once in the first half which allowed Golovin to get a shot away. Produced one superb long ball which sent Jesus clear.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (8/10):

Lovely bit of play in the build-up to Saka’s goal before half-time. Showed real quality at times and confidence on the ball. Tired after the break

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Midfield

Declan Rice (7/10):

Worked hard in the No.6 role, played some nice passes out wide and swept up well. You could see he tired in the second half.

Mikel Merino (6/10):

Still doesn’t look entirely comfortable in this Arsenal team. Made some nice runs down the left channel, but he was a bit clumsy when in possession.

Martin Odegaard (5/10):

A rare off night. His radar just seemed a bit skewed in terms of passing and missed a glorious chance to make it 2-0.

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Attack

Bukayo Saka (8/10):

The hero yet again. Monaco actually did well to keep him relatively quiet, but he still popped up when needed with two crucial goals and an assist.

Gabriel Jesus (6/10):

He missed two excellent chances in the first half, but at least he was active and posed a threat throughout the game.

Gabriel Martinelli (6/10):

Lucky to stay on the pitch when he escaped what could easily have been a second yellow card just before half-time. Was a threat at times, but missed a good chance to make it 2-0.

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Subs & Manager

Jorginho (7/10):

Helped bring a bit more control to the midfield and was crucial to seeing out the game.

Jurrien Timber (7/10):

Added some real quality and helped Arsenal wrestle back control.

Leandro Trossard (6/10):

Always involved, although his end product could have been better at times.

Kai Havertz (7/10):

Made a big difference in his short time on the pitch. Credited with the third, although it might have been an own goal.

Ethan Nwaneri (N/A):

On for the final stages

Mikel Arteta (7/10):

He will be pleased with the result, even if the performance after the interval wasn’t up to par. The substitutions he made had a significant impact on the game, helping to turn things around and secure the victory.