Arsenal welcomed Monaco to the Emirates Stadium for a Champions League clash on Wednesday.
The Gunners went into this fixture needing a win, to bounce back from their disappointing Premier League draw against Fulham last time out.
However, as Arsenal are currently facing a defensive injury crisis, Mikel Arteta had some tough selection decisions to make for this match. This resulted in Hale End academy gem Myles Lewis-Skelly being handed his maiden Champions League start.
Arsenal dominated the first half of this Champions League clash, and could have racked up a commanding lead by the break, had Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli been more clinical with their finishing. However, Bukayo Saka was able to ensure that the hosts went into the second half 1-0 up.
The Gunners lost their way a little after the break, allowing Monaco into the game more and producing far less in the final third themselves. However, Saka struck again before Kai Havertz added a third late on to ensure that Arsenal were able to secure a 3-0 win.
Arsenal player ratings vs Monaco
David Raya – 7
A quiet evening for the Arsenal goalkeeper who was rarely troubled but remained alert and commanded his penalty area well.
Thomas Partey – 6
Thomas Partey was fit to start after an injury scare, and was required to fill in at right-back with the likes of Ben White, Jurrien Timber, and Takehiro Tomiyasu all ruled out with injury.
William Saliba – 6
An uncharacteristic mistake allowed a chance for Breel Embolo, but William Saliba was otherwise solid.
Jakub Kiwior – 6
Like Saliba alongside him, Jakub Kiwior was largely composed and comfortable at the back.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7
Lewis-Skelly was handed his first ever Champions League start. The 18-year-old produced a moment of brilliance in the build up to Saka’s goal, as he shimmied clear of an opponent and played a defence-splitting pass to pick out Jesus.
Declan Rice – 7
Arsenal fans got their wish as Declan Rice was deployed deeper in the midfield for this match, screening the back four. The former West Ham United man did an excellent job in the role, as he crunched into tackles and produced some powerful runs forward on the ball.
Martin Odegaard – 7
The Arsenal captain will feel he should’ve scored in the first half, having gone clean through on goal. That scuffed finish aside, though, Odegaard was mesmeric at times as he repeatedly unlocked the Monaco defence.
Mikel Merino – 7
After a slightly quiet first half, Mikel Merino grew into the game upon his first start for Arsenal since returning from a brief injury layoff.
The summer signing was improved after the break, producing some neat touches and showed signs of a burgeoning relationship with Martinelli, which Arteta will find hugely encouraging.
Bukayo Saka – 8
Saka took his goals well, to maintain his impressive return of end product so far this season, and tormented the Monaco rearguard at times.
Arteta will understand how important Saka is to his side, and must find reliable cover for him soon, so that he can afford to rest the winger on occasion.
Gabriel Martinelli – 6
Like Odegaard, Martinelli will feel that he ought to have netted in the opening period. There is pressure on the Brazilian winger at the moment. Arsenal fans slammed Martinelli for his recent showing against Fulham.
He did a lot right tonight, but he must rediscover his clinical edge as a matter of urgency. He was also perhaps lucky to avoid a red card, after he was booked early on and still committed a couple more fouls whilst on a yellow card.
Gabriel Jesus – 6
Heading into this match, Jesus had netted just once in his last 31 outings for the Gunners, across all competitions. The Brazilian striker was in desperate need of a strong performance, and had chances in the first half, but was twice denied by the goalkeeper. However, he was able to register an assist for Saka’s strike.
Arteta has insisted that Jesus still has a future at Arsenal, but his poor finishing is a huge problem and was on display once again tonight.
Substitutes
Jurrien Timber – 6
Jorginho – 6
Leandro Trossard – 6
Got heavily involved, but his final ball let him down more than once.
Kai Havertz – 7
Kai Havertz was able to play a key role in Saka’s second goal and snatched one for himself at the end.
Ethan Nwaneri – 6
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