Arsenal moved a step closer to reaching the next stage of the UEFA Champions League after two goals from Bukayo Saka and an inspired performance from Myles Lewis-Skelly handed the Gunners a 3-0 win over AS Monaco on Wednesday.
Both teams came into the game level on 10 points from five matches, knowing a win would all but secure a spot in the top 24 – top 8 teams qualify automatically for the Round of 16 while teams between 9th and 24th must win a two-legged playoff to qualify.
It was the Gunners that showed more bite going forward after being denied on a handful of moments in the first half-hour, Saka was on hand to score in the 34th minute and duly break the deadlock for the home side.
The goal was down to a defence-splitting pass from Lewis-Skelly which sent Gabriel Jesus on his way to set up Saka to score a wonderful team goal.
Arsenal continued to create more chances after, with Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli missing glorious ones as Monaco were lucky to head into the half-time break only down by a goal.
Monaco showed more intent in the second half and started to make forays into the Arsenal box and test goalkeeper, David Raya. But the Gunners held their lines to keep the Ligue 1 outfit at bay.
Saka effectively ended the contest in Arsenal’s favour with his second in the 78th minute, before substitute Kai Havertz went from provider to goalscorer to seal the result for Arsenal.