AS Monaco did not withstand the shock at Arsenal (3-0) on Wednesday, a defeat full of missed opportunities which relegated the Principality club to the play-offs after six days in the Champions League.
The score may seem harsh for the Red and Whites, who arrived in London weakened by injuries and suspensions, and left with the regret of their multiple missed goal balls, particularly in the second half.
In the rankings of the league phase, Adi Hütter’s team falls out of the top 8 which assured them, at kick-off, a virtual qualification for the round of 16.
Aston Villa and Inter still on the menu
To find this precious ticket, you will have to battle in January against Aston Villa then Inter Milan, two of the best teams currently in the big European Cup.
Arsenal are certainly part of this elite, and they showed it again on Wednesday with a new match without a goal conceded, the third in three European matches played this season at home.
The Monegasques showed good intentions from the start, but they could have quickly lost the cup without some high-class saves from Radoslaw Majecki, with his right leg (25e) then with the left hand (28e), each time in front of Gabriel Jesus.
Saka in all the good moves
The third opportunity was the right one for Arsenal.
Left back Myles Lewis-Skelly (18), starting for the second time in his young career, played Maghnes Akliouche before sending a hard pass to Jesus. The Brazilian crossed for Bukayo Saka (34e1-0), left too alone at the far post.
The Monegasque defense’s approximations almost cost dearly, but Martin Odegaard (39e) and Gabriel Martinelli (42e) missed the target. This boosted the morale of the Rouge et Blanc, who came back with a bang after half-time.
Missed opportunities…
Thilo Kehrer was very close to equalizing with a header from a free kick (47e), Takumi Minamino warmed the gloves of David Raya (63e), and Breel Embolo almost cooled the Emirates with a pivotal strike (65e).
For Monaco, the regrets come from these missed opportunities. Because Arsenal, on the other hand, are not the type to snub the crumbs that can be given to them.
…and defensive errors
Kai Havertz appeared on a bad pass from Mohammed Salisu, starting in place of Wilfried Singo (suspended), and pushed Majecki to clear in disaster. Saka, in ambush, seized the offering (78e2-0).
The Monegasques drank the chalice to the dregs when Havertz extended a strike from Saka (88e3-0) as the final whistle approached.
Arsenal are third in the league stage with four wins in six matches.
