AS Monaco fought valiantly against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium but ultimately succumbed to a 3-0 defeat, with the Gunners capitalising on key moments in the latter stages of the match. Despite a promising second half and several dangerous opportunities, the Red and Whites could not withstand Arsenal’s experience, but they remain in the race for the Champions League play-offs.
Heading into their sixth Champions League match, The Principality side was in a favourable position and approached the game with less pressure. Facing one of Europe’s top teams, Arsenal, the Red and Whites hoped to replicate their remarkable 3-1 victory at the Emirates in 2015. However, they were without several key players, including Singo, Mawissa, Zakaria, and Balogun, forcing coach Adi Hütter to adjust his lineup to a 4-3-3 formation. Salisu and Kehrer anchored the defense, while Vanderson and Caio Henrique took the flanks. Midfielders Magassa, Camara, and Golovin started, with Akliouche and Ben Seghir supporting Embolo in attack.
The match began evenly, with both teams testing each other early on. Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus had the first opportunity, but Monaco goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki was quick to close the angle (4′). Monaco responded with Aleksandr Golovin, whose curling shot narrowly missed the target (9′).
Arsenal began to assert dominance as the first half progressed, with Majecki making critical saves to deny Jesus twice in quick succession (26′, 28′). However, Monaco’s resistance broke just before the half-hour mark when Bukayo Saka was left unmarked at the back post to score the opening goal (1-0, 34′). The Gunners could have extended their lead before the break, but Majecki denied Martin Ødegaard (39′) and Gabriel Martinelli (41′), and Monaco had a chance of their own through Maghnes Akliouche, whose rebound shot was saved (45+1′).
At halftime, Hütter made a tactical change, bringing on Takumi Minamino and shifting Golovin into a deeper role in midfield. Monaco emerged more assertive in the second half, with Thilo Kehrer’s header narrowly missing from a set piece (47′) and Minamino testing Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya with a weak shot (63′). Breel Embolo followed up with a close attempt that grazed the post (65′).
However, the Monegasque’s hopes were dashed when Saka scored his second goal from close range (78′), and just before added time, Kai Havertz sealed the win for Arsenal with a third goal, assisted by Saka (88′).
Despite the defeat, Monaco remains in contention for the Champions League play-offs. They will look to regroup and focus on their upcoming matches against Aston Villa and Inter Milan at the end of January. Prior to that, Monaco faces a crucial Ligue 1 match against Reims on Saturday, December 14 at 21:00, where they will aim to maintain their position near the top of the domestic table.
Image courtesy of AS Monaco
