Arsenal took a significant step toward securing a spot in the Champions League last 16 with an emphatic 3-0 win over Monaco at the Emirates Stadium.
Apart from an early scare when Aleksandr Golovin’s effort narrowly missed David Raya’s post, the Gunners dominated proceedings from the outset.
Despite their control, Arsenal were left frustrated in the early stages as Gabriel Jesus, who had only one goal in his previous 32 outings, was twice denied by Monaco goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki in one-on-one situations.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 34th minute. Myles Lewis-Skelly, making his first Champions League start, played a crucial role in the build-up, allowing Jesus to set up Bukayo Saka for the opener.
Arsenal had chances to extend their lead before halftime, but Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli both narrowly missed the target, leaving Monaco within striking distance.
The second half began with Monaco nearly catching Arsenal off guard. Lamine Camara’s free kick found Thilo Kehrer, but the former West Ham defender headed wide.
Monaco came close to leveling the score midway through the half after William Saliba uncharacteristically gave away possession to Takumi Minamino.
The ex-Liverpool midfielder found Breel Embolo in the box, but the Swiss forward, after turning Jakub Kiwior, sent his low shot inches wide.
Arsenal weathered the pressure and eventually doubled their lead, courtesy of a costly mistake by Majecki.
Under pressure from Odegaard, the Monaco keeper gifted the ball to Saka, who calmly slotted home his second goal of the night.
Substitute Kai Havertz added a late third to seal the victory, giving the scoreline a flattering look.
Arsenal now sit third in their group standings, and a win in their next match at home to Dinamo Zagreb on January 22 could all but guarantee their progression to the knockout stages.
