BUKAYO SAKA found the net twice as Arsenal secured an impressive 3-0 victory over Monaco in the Champions League.
The Gunners squandered a number of clear opportunities in the first half, with Gabriel Jesus unable to convert his chances effectively.
4
4
Nonetheless, Saka netted twice, alongside an own goal from Thilo Kehrer, which helped Arsenal secure crucial points in their pursuit of a top-eight finish.
Here’s how SunSport graded the players’ performances.
DAVID RAYA – 7/10
Generally untroubled throughout the match but stepped up well when necessary.
Commanded his penalty area effectively and displayed good distribution, with minimal passing errors.
THOMAS PARTEY – 6
Displayed some inconsistencies, showcasing both excellent passes that led to dangerous situations and several errors.
Wasn’t seriously challenged by Monaco’s left flank.
FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS
WILLIAM SALIBA – 7
Consistently solid in defense, meeting expectations as always. A deserving seven out of ten.
JAKUB KIWIOR – 7
Was a commendable substitute for Gabriel; sharp with his possession and reliable in defense, equally capable as Saliba.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 9
Playing at left-back, Lewis-Skelly made his full Champions League debut against Monaco.
And what a debut it was! His incredible play under pressure allowed him to provide a precise ball to Jesus, who assisted Saka for Arsenal‘s opening goal.
The home crowd gave him a standing ovation upon his substitution after 64 minutes.
4
DECLAN RICE – 7
Effectively disrupted Monaco’s play as per his usual role, regularly intervening to stifle their advances.
Did not pose much of an attacking threat compared to previous matches, which was acceptable given Merino’s presence beside him.
A consistently reliable choice as a Premier League or Champions League number six.
MIKEL MERINO – 4
Failed to meet expectations.
Arsenal fans might be dissatisfied with the Odegaard – Merino – Rice midfield trio, finding the Spaniard lacking.
Looked sluggish and cumbersome, earning a booking.
MARTIN ODEGAARD – 5
Did not display his usual finesse in the midfield for Arsenal.
Unfortunately, his finishing was off; he wasted two key chances to extend their lead around halftime.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 4
A menace on the left side during the first half, he could have netted an assist if not for Arsenal’s number nine.
Despite showing flashes of brilliance, his finishing left much to be desired.
BUKAYO SAKA – 8
Always in the right position, he opened the scoring after receiving a brilliant pass from Jesus across the box.
Quickly capitalized on a goalkeeper blunder to slide the ball into the far corner, marking his seventh home Champions League goal in just seven home matches—truly clinical.
Also contributed another assist, as his shot deflected off Kai Havertz into the net as the match drew to a close.
GABRIEL JESUS – 5
Could have scored twice in the first half, but his lack of composure led to him missing two significant one-on-ones early on.
However, he redeemed himself with a quality assist to set up Saka’s opening goal.
4
SUBSTITUTES:
LEANDRO TROSSARD (GABRIEL MARTINELLI, 64) – 5
Made an impression similar to the player he substituted.
Had several touches in attacking situations but failed to make a notable impact.
JORGINHO (DECLAN RICE, 64) – 6
Provided a reliable presence in Arsenal’s midfield, helping to maintain possession when he was on the ball.
Nearly set up an assist for Nwaneri during stoppage time.
JURRIEN TIMBER (MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY, 64) – 6
Filled in for the standout performer of the match, and Arsenal’s level remained unchanged.
Wasn’t as effective in advancing the ball as the Hale End product was this evening.
KAI HAVERTZ (GABRIEL JESUS, 73) – 8
Caused a goalkeeper error that led to Saka’s second goal.
Debate surrounds whether he had a touch on Arsenal’s third goal.
ETHAN NWANERI (MARTIN ODEGAARD, 79) – 5
Another promising performance from the young Arsenal talent, highlighting his bright potential.
Displayed good touches that thrilled the home supporters.
