Three Things We Learned from Arsenal’s Champions League Victory Over Monaco

Arsenal delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over AS Monaco in the UEFA Champions League on a memorable night at the Emirates Stadium. The win not only solidified Arsenal’s position in the competition but also showcased individual brilliance, emerging young talents, and the team’s ability to dominate at home. From Bukayo Saka’s world-class consistency to Myles Lewis-Skelly’s record-breaking composure, Arsenal’s latest performance offered plenty to celebrate. This review delves into three critical aspects of the game: Bukayo Saka’s continued evolution, Myles Lewis-Skelly’s historic emergence, and Arsenal’s surging home form.

Bukayo Saka: Arsenal’s Superstar Shines Bright

Bukayo Saka continues to deliver performances befitting his status as one of the Premier League’s brightest stars. Against Monaco, he added yet another layer to his already impressive season. Rated 7.77 on average in the Champions League this season—the highest of any Premier League player—Saka’s contributions have been pivotal to Arsenal’s European campaign.

In just 13 Premier League games this season, Saka has amassed 10 assists, placing him in elite company. Only three players in Premier League history—Cesc Fàbregas (2014-15), Mesut Özil (2015-16), and Harry Kane (2020-21)—have reached double-digit assists in fewer games. Saka’s consistency and creative spark are essential to Arsenal’s attacking identity, demonstrated by his ability to seamlessly combine final-third effectiveness with defensive contributions.

Against Monaco, Saka’s influence extended across the pitch:

• 29 passes with 86.2% accuracy, including three progressive passes contributing to 186.1 yards of progression.
• Two goals from xG of 0.83, highlighting his lethal finishing in the penalty area.
• His heatmap from the game illustrated his relentless activity on the right flank, receiving 30 passes and completing five progressive carries for an additional 100.7 yards of progression.

Saka’s ability to create and convert opportunities consistently has made him Arsenal’s most reliable attacking outlet, and his performances are a major reason why the Gunners are flourishing both domestically and in Europe.

Myles Lewis-Skelly: Generational Talent Breaks Through

At just 18 years and 76 days, Myles Lewis-Skelly became Arsenal’s youngest starter in a Champions League game since Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2011. Yet it was not merely his age that captured attention—it was his composure, technical skill, and ability to dictate the midfield that impressed fans and analysts alike.

Lewis-Skelly completed 45 of 47 passes for an incredible 96% passing accuracy, the best rate by an Arsenal teenager in the competition since Johan Djourou’s 97% in 2006. Operating as a central midfielder, Lewis-Skelly demonstrated exceptional maturity by balancing possession, recovering loose balls, and progressing play. His contributions to Arsenal’s midfield were evident in the data:

• 35 touches in the middle third highlighted his control over transitions.
• Successfully completed six progressive passes and showed confidence in pressing high against Monaco’s midfield.

For a player born in the same month Johan Djourou set that passing record, Lewis-Skelly’s achievement was as symbolic as it was stunning. This performance underscored Arsenal’s ability to integrate youth into their system without sacrificing quality, a testament to the vision of Mikel Arteta and his coaching staff. If Lewis-Skelly’s Champions League debut is any indication, Arsenal fans can look forward to a generational talent who could become the backbone of the team’s midfield in the years to come.

Fortress Emirates: Arsenal’s Home Resurgence

Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have transformed the Emirates Stadium into a fortress. The 3-0 win against Monaco extended Arsenal’s unbeaten streak at home to 14 matches in all competitions (W12, D2), their longest under Arteta and their best since Arsène Wenger’s 18-game streak in 2017.

The numbers underline Arsenal’s dominance at the Emirates:

• Expected Goals (xG): Arsenal recorded 3.1 xG compared to Monaco’s 0.6, reflecting their ability to create and convert high-quality opportunities.
• Win Probability: Arsenal were overwhelming favorites, with a 90% win probability in post-match simulations based on match events.
• Final Third Threat: Arsenal completed 41 progressive passes, compared to Monaco’s 18, while adding 101 final-third passes attempted—a hallmark of their territorial and creative dominance.

Arsenal’s defensive actions, led by Declan Rice and Jakub Kiwior, ensured that Monaco posed minimal threat. Declan Rice contributed eight ball recoveries, while Kiwior won three tackles and added two clearances, effectively neutralizing Monaco’s attempts to break through. The clean sheet was a testament to the collective defensive effort and positional discipline instilled by Arteta.

Arteta’s tactical approach also enabled Arsenal to transition seamlessly between high pressing and controlled possession, as evidenced by the passing networks:

• William Saliba led Arsenal with 81 touches and completed 72 passes at 95.8% accuracy, showcasing his composure and ability to dictate play from the back.
• Thomas Partey, operating in a hybrid role, completed six progressive passes and facilitated Arsenal’s fluid buildup in both halves of the pitch.

This tactical versatility, combined with Arsenal’s growing confidence, positions them as genuine contenders in the Champions League.

Extra time: Tactical and Individual Brilliance in Numbers

The victory over Monaco also highlighted individual and collective brilliance across the squad:

• Martin Ødegaard contributed 6 progressive carries and created 0.17 xA, adding to Arsenal’s attacking variety.
• Gabriel Jesus, despite limited touches, was involved in critical moments, registering 2 key passes, 6 successful tackles, and 0.49 xA.
• Mikel Merino, a summer signing, balanced creativity and defensive work, completing three dribbles and winning two tackles, while maintaining a progressive passing distance of 104.9 yards.

On the opposition side, Monaco struggled to gain a foothold. They managed just 16 deep touches in Arsenal’s defensive third, producing only four shots and an xG of 0.48. Arsenal’s defensive solidity and midfield control ensured Monaco could not generate meaningful opportunities.

Conclusion: Arsenal Are on the Rise

Arsenal’s 3-0 triumph over Monaco was more than just another Champions League win—it was a statement of intent. Bukayo Saka’s brilliance, Myles Lewis-Skelly’s emergence, and Arsenal’s imperious home form are clear indicators of a team on the rise. Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have blended youth, experience, and tactical sophistication into a team capable of competing at the highest level.

With their Champions League aspirations intact and domestic form surging, Arsenal’s current trajectory suggests that their best days lie ahead. Whether through Saka’s consistent brilliance, the promise of Lewis-Skelly, or the collective dominance displayed at the Emirates, the Gunners have given fans plenty of reasons to believe that a golden era may be unfolding before their eyes.