Arsenal hosted AS Monaco this Wednesday at the Emirates Stadium for the 6th day of the league phase of the Champions League. Before kick-off, a minimal gap separated the two teams in the ranking: the Gunners were in 10th place, followed by the Monegasques in 11th, both in a play-off position. After their victory against Paris Saint-Germain (2-0) in October, the Londoners found themselves facing a second representative of Ligue 1 in this prestigious European competition. Note that during their last clash in the European Cup, in 2015, Monaco eliminated Arsenal in the round of 16 thanks to the away goals rule (1-3, 0-2).
Arsenal consolidates its domination
From the kick-off, the Monegasques try to impose their rhythm, quickly investing the opposing camp. But Arsenal reacted immediately. Gabriel Jesus, served in the area, takes advantage of the defense’s inattention to attempt a strike, brilliantly repelled by Majecki (4th). A minute later, the Brazilian striker shines again by placing himself in the inside half-space, but lacks precision on a pass intended for Jesus. The first alert on the Monegasque side comes from Aleksandr Golovin. In the 9th minute, the Russian midfielder curled a dangerous shot from the edge of the area, which grazed Raya’s left post. Despite a few phases of possession attempted by Monaco, the Gunners stood out more for their intensity and their high pressing.
Gabriel Jesus proves untenable. After a lost duel against Majecki (25th), he was found between two defenders on the edge of offside, but once again came up against the Monegasque goalkeeper (28th). The opening score finally came shortly after the half-hour mark. From the left wing, Jesus delivered a tense cross at ground level, which Saka pushed into the net (1-0, 34th). Before the break, Arsenal narrowly missed the opportunity to double the lead. On an interception by Odegaard, following a poor recovery from Magassa, the Norwegian found himself in an ideal position, but his shot failed a few centimeters from the target (39th).
Monaco buckles under pressure
Back from the locker room, Monaco showed better intentions, but struggled in the last gesture. In the 47th minute, Kehrer’s header from a free kick flew wide of the target. Later, Minamino fires a dangerous shot into the area, but Raya intervenes with authority (63rd). The visitors’ clearest chance came in the 65th minute. Embolo, ideally served in the area, inexplicably misses the target, sending the ball wide of the right post.
In the process, Arsenal intensified their attacks. Majecki made another high-class save against Odegaard, whose powerful shot flew under the bar (66th). However, Monegasque mistakes end up being costly. In the 78th minute, a poorly assured pass from Kehrer to Salisu gave Saka the opportunity to score his second goal, taking advantage of a defensive misunderstanding (2-0). At the end of the match, the English striker definitively sealed the fate of the match. Following a shot from Saka, deflected by Havertz, the ball deceived Majecki for a third goal (3-0, 89th).
With this second defeat in the Champions League, AS Monaco slips to 16th place while retaining its play-off position, before welcoming Aston Villa on January 21. For the Gunners, this victory is particularly beneficial. Indeed, Mikel Arteta’s men climb to 3rd place, just behind Liverpool and Barcelona, before hosting Dinamo Zagreb on January 22.
