Arsenal 3-0 Monaco: Player ratings as Gunners take big leap towards round of 16

Arsenal beat Monaco 3-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday evening as they returned to winning ways.

Mikel Arteta made four changes ahead of the tie as Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli all came into the lineup. Myles Lewis-Skelly was also named in the starting XI for his first Champions League start.

Arsenal put plenty of pressure on Monaco from kick off with the first big chance of the first half coming for Jesus. A sublime ball over the top from Jakub Kiwior landed at the Brazilian's feet who took a touch before shooting but he couldn't beat the backpedalling Radoslaw Majecki.

The deadlock was finally broken ten minutes before half-time by none other than Bukayo Saka. Lewis-Skelly played a pass down the left side for Jesus who squared for the winger to tap into an empty net and put his side ahead.

Skipper Martin Odegaard spurned a great chance to double the advantage when he broke through on goal only to drag his effort wide. Despite the missed chances, Arsenal were a goal to the good at the break.

Monaco had a different attitude after the interval as they put more pressure on the Gunners. Takumi Minamino was a main influence for the visitors in their improvement in attack.

The French side's hopes of a comeback were thwarted ten minutes from full time however when substitute Kai Havertz put pressure on Majecki. The Polish shot stopper passed the ball straight to Saka who curled in for his second of the game.

Arsenal rounded off the victory just before the 90-minute mark with a goal that will cause much discussion in the changing room. Saka pounced on a loose ball in the box and saw his effort deflect off Thilo Kehrer and into the net. Havertz was ruled to have also got a touch and was awarded the goal, denying the starboy a first hat-trick for his boyhood club.

The victory saw Arsenal rise to third in the Champions League table, putting a secure hold on their hopes of progressing straight into the round of 16.

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from their 3-0 win over Monaco.

Arsenal 3-0 Monaco player ratings

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - 7/10 - Did not have much to do in terms of shotstopping. Was quick to rush off his line to collect any balls over the top from Monaco.

Thomas Partey (RB) - 7/10 - Had a decent game at right back as he linked up well with Saka down the flank. Contributed in attack and also defended when necessary. Much better showing in defence from the Ghanaian.

William Saliba (CB) - 7/10 - Was not required to do much with Monaco's lack of attacking threat. Did his job well and can be happy with his performance.

Jakub Kiwior (CB) - 7/10 - Similar to his centre back partner, he didn't have to do much but what he did, he managed to do well. Played a brilliant ball over the top for Jesus in the first half. Certainly an improvement on his performance at Fulham.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (LB) - 8.5/10 - Full of energy in his first start in the Champions League. Did not look out of place as he drifted in and out of midfield well and helped out his side plenty in attack. Contributed to the first goal before being withdrawn just after the hour mark.

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