Bukayo Saka’s two goals helped move Arsenal a step closer to progressing in the Champions League — but he had to share the spotlight with another homegrown youngster against Monaco.
Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, was handed his first European start and excelled at left-back, playing a part in the opening goal and catching the eye throughout his 64 minutes on the pitch.
Saka made it 2-0 with 12 minutes remaining and substitute Kai Havertz deflected in a Saka shot for a third two minutes from time.
Gabriel Jesus missed two glorious chances before turning provider for the opener in the 34th minute. Lewis-Skelly won a tackle in the Monaco half and fed Jesus to fire a brilliant cross into the path of Saka who could not miss.
Captain Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli wasted opportunities to make it 2-0 before the break and should have been made to pay in the 64th minute when Breel Embolo fired wide.
The result was up in the air until a moment of madness from Monaco’s backline. A routine goal kick was closed down by Havertz and Saka benefited to slam home the second from six yards. Havertz wrapped things up when Saka’s shot brushed him on the way to goal.
Art de Roche analyzes the talking points from the Emirates.
Can Lewis-Skelly play a bigger part this season?
He had already made six appearances this season, but Lewis-Skelly’s first Champions League start held more significance. At 18 years two months and 15 days, he became the youngest player to start for Arsenal in the competition since Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2011.
Back at left-back, where he has often come on this season, he provided the spark that was lacking for most of the first half. Receiving the ball under pressure, he skipped by his man before threading an excellent ball in behind for Jesus to set up Saka.
While Saka celebrated with Jesus, many of Lewis-Skelly’s team-mates ran to him, knowing his work was key to the goal. The pass was special, but this wasn’t the first time he opened up a side like that. A midfielder by trade, he played a similar pass in the build-up to Ethan Nwaneri’s first goal against Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup in September.
Bukayo Saka with an easy finish following a brilliant Gabriel Jesus pass😮💨
Some incredible play from Myles Lewis-Skelly on his first Champions League start👏
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/GJHS03AXiD
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 11, 2024
And for US readers:
Arsenal score their first goal from open play in 268 minutes🚨
Myles Lewis-Skelly in the build up though 🔥 pic.twitter.com/vLGRwlCMNw
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️(@CBSSportsGolazo) December 11, 2024
The England Under-19 international continued to show that blend of technique and strength throughout against Monaco. He played nice reverse passes on the edge of the box, did well to keep the ball while taking contact in build-up and finding a pass after the fact.
He was unlucky to be substituted for Jurrien Timber, but gave an exceptional account of himself once again — especially considering he has been nursing a foot infection in recent weeks, according to Arteta in his pre-match press conference.
Lewis-Skelly enjoyed a night to remember (David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Saka sets the standard
Saka continues to be the man of the moment for Arsenal. Since making his first team debut six years ago, he has consistently risen to the occasion no matter the level and that has particularly been the case in the Champions League.
His double and assist made the difference against Monaco, signifying how he continues to carry this Arsenal team. He now has 20 goal involvements in all competitions this season, eight goals and 12 assists, with Mohamed Salah (28) the only Premier League player with more.
Since Arsenal’s return to the Champions League last season, he has scored and assisted in five different games — which unsurprisingly is more than any other Arsenal player.
In that time, it has become common for the 23-year-old to be the one to break the game open at the Emirates too, with 11 goal involvements in seven home games in the Champions League.
Saka celebrates his second (GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Saka’s age may make his milestones appear crazy, but these are the standards Arsenal’s No 7 has set himself. He has now scored as many Champions League goals for the club as Dennis Bergkamp and Mesut Ozil in just 14 games, and has many more records to beat in the coming weeks.
Havertz, who had made the most high-intensity pressures in the final third in the Champions League before tonight (179), deserves credit as another led to Saka’s second goal.
The best and worst of Jesus?
If a match could sum up Jesus’ time at Arsenal it would be this one. The Brazil forward made the difference with his superb assist for Saka’s opener, but should have done himself beforehand.
Coming into the game after a disappointing cameo against Fulham, Jesus looked more comfortable away from the leading role as striker.
His assist came from the left, where he calmly stroked the ball across the six-yard box for Saka to finish. His two one-v-one misses came with all eyes on him in the middle of the penalty area, where he did not seem confident enough in his finish before taking aim.
Jesus fails to convert when clean through (Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Jesus’ best football at Arsenal has always come when he has had the freedom to drift across the width of the final third. While he should have finished those two first-half chances, his work for the opener should help build his confidence before the Christmas period.
He will not warrant a start in the Premier League off the back of this performance, but the forward’s movement inside the box was genuinely game-changing for Arsenal once upon a time. If Arteta can see even a glimpse of that in the coming weeks, it would not only help the team collectively but also leave time to manage Havertz’s minutes.
What did Mikel Arteta say?
Speaking to TNT Sport, he said: “Very happy. Obviously scoring the three goals, keeping a clean sheet and winning the game.
“We started the game very well, in the first half we should have put the game to bed but we didn’t. In the Champions League you will have difficult moments and we suffered but then with the second goal the game was in control.”
On Myles Lewis-Skelly: “A word for Myles — 18-years-old and to make his debut in the Champions League is a great highlight of the game.
“What I like about him is his courage, the position he takes, how he penetrates with the ball. He’s one of our own, he has a bright future ahead of him. As a club and a manager we have to be happy with him coming through. It is a great feeling to be able to change someone’s life.”
On Bukayo Saka: “He looks really mature. What he has already done in the game at his age is incredible. Very humble, a great guy to have around and an incredible talent. He’s a special person. In his role his leadership is increasing. With the young kids he is amazing, with the seniors he is amazing. He is loved by everyone and he makes the difference on the pitch.”
On Jesus: “We just put him in front of goal in situations like we have today. They are millimetres, sometimes centimeters to decide if the ball goes in. He was alive and created the first goal by creating a great movement. That’s him. We have him, we have him back and I’m sure he’ll contribute to the team.”
What next for Arsenal?
Saturday, December 14: Everton (M), Premier League, 3pm GMT, 10am ET
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(Top photo: Saka hugs Lewis-Skelly after the opening goal. David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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