Can Arsenal Finally Conquer Europe? Bukayo Saka Shines, but Questions Remain
LONDON — When Arsenal brought in Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City in the summer of 2022, it felt like a statement of intent. These were players with proven quality and a winning mentality, joining a young and hungry Arsenal squad. Fast forward to December 2024, and while the Gunners are flying high in the UEFA Champions League, the roles of Jesus and Zinchenko are being questioned as others step up to lead the charge.
On Wednesday night, Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 victory over AS Monaco at the Emirates Stadium. The win secured their place in the knockout stages, but the performance raised some intriguing questions about the team’s evolution. While Jesus and Zinchenko were once seen as the players to guide Arsenal through tough European nights, it’s now clear that the likes of Bukayo Saka are taking center stage.
Bukayo Saka: Arsenal’s New European Star
Saka was the star of the show, scoring twice and forcing an own goal from Thilo Kehrer. His first goal came in the 34th minute, courtesy of a clever assist from Jesus, who made a smart run and delivered a pinpoint cross. But while Jesus contributed in the buildup, his inability to finish chances was glaring. Twice in the first half, he found himself one-on-one with Monaco goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki, and twice he failed to convert. It’s a worrying trend for Jesus, who has now scored just one goal in his last 32 matches.
Meanwhile, Saka’s influence continues to grow. His brace on Wednesday took his tally to eight Champions League goals, surpassing Arsenal legends Dennis Bergkamp and Mesut Özil. In the Premier League, only Mohamed Salah (16 goals, 12 assists) has more goal involvements this season than Saka’s nine goals and 12 assists. It’s no wonder manager Mikel Arteta was full of praise for the 22-year-old after the game.
“He keeps surprising us,” Arteta said. “That’s what he wants to do. That’s the quality that he has, that’s the ambition that he has and how he’s preparing himself every day. I’m not surprised, but it’s very difficult to do what he’s doing.”
Jesus and Zinchenko: Fading Influences?
While Saka continues to shine, the same cannot be said for Jesus and Zinchenko. The latter missed the game due to injury, and his absence opened the door for 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly to make history as Arsenal’s youngest starter in the Champions League since Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2011. The teenager impressed, completing 45 of 47 passes and showing maturity beyond his years. His performance will only complicate Zinchenko’s path back into the starting lineup.
As for Jesus, his struggles in front of goal are becoming a major concern. Arteta has publicly backed the Brazilian, ruling out a January transfer, but it’s clear that Arsenal are looking to strengthen their forward line next summer. Jesus needs to start delivering soon if he wants to remain part of Arsenal’s long-term plans.
Key Takeaways from Arsenal’s Win
Here are three key takeaways from Arsenal’s victory over Monaco:
- Bukayo Saka is Arsenal’s talisman: With his consistency and ability to deliver in big moments, Saka is proving to be the player Arsenal can rely on in Europe.
- Young talent is stepping up: Myles Lewis-Skelly’s impressive performance highlights the depth of Arsenal’s academy and the club’s willingness to trust young players.
- Finishing remains a concern: Despite dominating the game, Arsenal’s profligacy in front of goal could have cost them on another night. Arteta will need to address this issue as the competition gets tougher.
What’s Next for Arsenal?
With the group stage now behind them, Arsenal can look ahead to the knockout rounds with confidence. However, if they are to go all the way and win their first Champions League trophy, they will need more from players like Jesus and Zinchenko. The Gunners have the talent and the momentum, but as Arteta himself admitted, finishing chances is something that needs to improve.
“We should have scored four or five in the first half,” Arteta said. “It wasn’t the case. We can teach [the players], and sometimes we have to take a step back. [Finishing chances] is a decision they have to take. They cannot be thinking what they have to do and what we have to tell them. We try to give them the right information and the tools. After that, it is their execution and it is a difficult thing to do in football, but we have a lot of talent.”
For now, Arsenal fans can enjoy the ride. With Saka leading the way and young stars like Lewis-Skelly emerging, the future looks bright. But if the Gunners are to finally conquer Europe, they’ll need everyone to step up when it matters most.
Originally Written by: James Olley
