Arsenal’s Champions League Dream: Saka Shines, Havertz Steals the Spotlight
It was a night to remember at the Emirates Stadium as Bukayo Saka once again proved why he’s one of the brightest stars in European football. Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 win over Monaco in the Champions League, but the story of the night wasn’t just the scoreline—it was the near-miss of a historic moment for Saka, thanks to an unexpected twist involving teammate Kai Havertz.
The 23-year-old England winger was on fire, scoring twice and looking poised to secure his first-ever hat trick for his boyhood club. But in the 88th minute, as Saka unleashed a shot that seemed destined for the back of the net, it took an unintentional deflection off Havertz’s shin and found its way past the Monaco goalkeeper. The goal sealed the victory for Arsenal, but it also denied Saka his moment of personal glory.
“He got in the way of it,” Saka joked after the match, laughing off the incident. “But don’t worry, it’s [a hat trick] coming. It’s on the way.”
Saka’s Star Continues to Rise
Despite the missed milestone, Saka’s performance was nothing short of sensational. With three goal contributions on the night, he once again demonstrated why he’s a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal squad. Arteta himself was full of praise for the young winger, emphasizing the consistency and quality Saka has shown in his career so far.
“You have to be able to do that consistently throughout many years to put yourself in that position,” Arteta said. “We can compare what he’s done in his first six years of professional football, which is exceptional, you know, and that’s it, and his aim is to improve. He has the players and environment to continue to do that, and I’m sure he will.”
At just 23 years old, Saka is already being talked about as a player on the verge of reaching a world-class level. His ability to deliver in big moments, combined with his work ethic and humility, makes him a role model for younger players coming through the ranks.
A Debut to Remember for Lewis-Skelly
Speaking of younger players, 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly made his Champions League debut in this match, stepping in at left-back amid Arsenal’s ongoing injury issues in defense. The teenager, who has already made several substitute appearances in the Premier League this season, held his own on the big stage and credited Saka as a source of inspiration.
“Looking up to Bukayo, he has that mindset, he has everything,” Lewis-Skelly said. “I’ve learned a lot from him, and I want to keep learning.”
It’s clear that Arsenal’s academy continues to produce top-tier talent, and Lewis-Skelly’s performance will only add to the excitement surrounding the club’s future.
Arsenal’s Champions League Journey
With this win, Arsenal climbed to third place in the 36-team Champions League standings. Arteta acknowledged that the team could have made things easier for themselves in the first half but was pleased with how they managed the game overall.
“In the first half, we should have put the game to bed, but we didn’t,” Arteta said. “In the Champions League, you will have difficult moments, and we suffered. Then with the second goal, the game was in control.”
Arsenal’s final two group-stage matches will see them face Dinamo Zagreb at home and travel away to Girona. With their current form, fans will be hoping the Gunners can secure a strong position heading into the knockout stages.
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Bukayo Saka: Two goals and a deflected assist underline his importance to Arsenal’s attack.
- Kai Havertz: The unintentional “goal thief” who sealed the win but stole Saka’s hat trick moment.
- Myles Lewis-Skelly: A promising debut for the 18-year-old, showcasing Arsenal’s depth of young talent.
- Arsenal’s Position: Third in the Champions League standings, with two group-stage matches remaining.
As Arsenal fans dream of lifting their first-ever Champions League trophy, performances like this will only fuel their optimism. With Saka leading the charge and young talents like Lewis-Skelly stepping up, the future looks bright for the Gunners. But can they go all the way? Only time will tell.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
