Bukayo Saka’s brace takes Arsenal closer to the 2024/25 UCL last-16

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Arsenal and English winger Bakayo Saka put on an impressive display as Arsenal edged out AS Monaco 3-0 at the Emirates, in Gameweek 6 of the UCL League phase. The 23-year-old scored twice and assisted the last as Arsenal took on the third-place spot in the grueling competition.

Mikel Arteta’s side brushed off the weekend’s hard-earned draw against Fulham to deliver one of their best performances in the European competition this season. While the victory did not top their 5-1 annihilation of Sporting CP back in October, the Gunners dominated the game against their French opponents from the sound of the very first whistle. 

Arsenal should have had the lead earlier than they did but Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus, who started the game was denied thrice when clear on goal by Radoslaw Majecki. The former Manchester City striker still has one goal in 32 matches for the Gunners (in almost a calendar year). His worst run since joining the North London side in July 2022. His ongoing goal drought is a worry for Mikel Arteta’s side who are in the market for an in-form clinical finisher. Although identifying targets like Viktor Gyökeres and Duvan Vlahovic, Arteta has ruled out a possible January window exit for Gabriel Jesus.

The breakthrough came in the 34th minute when Jesus linked up Bukayo Saka for the opener. Myles Lewis-Skelly, who was making his first Champions League start for the Gunners, did most of the work in the build-up play. The hosts should have been further ahead before the break but captain Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli both fired wide of the far post to keep the French visitors in the game.

The early minutes of the second half nearly saw the visitors equalize. Lamine Camara’s free-kick picked out Thilo Kehrer, but the former West Ham defender failed to make the most of the header to threaten David Raya at his near post. Monaco’s Breel Embolo followed suit by angonishly wasting a clear goal opportunity from Arsenal’s defensive error in the penalty area.

Bukayo Saka made no mistake in hitting Arsenal’s second of the game in the 78th minute, courtesy of Majecki’s gift. The Monaco goalkeeper under pressure from Odegaard passed a straight ball to Saka, who made no mistake from the shot. Substitute Kai Havertz scored from Saka’s assist with two minutes to go on regular time to hand Mikel Arteta’s side all three points and a nine-goal difference. A win in their next fixture at home to Dinamo Zagreb on January 22 would more than likely secure the Gunners qualification to the last 16.

ARSENAL PICK INTEREST ON DAN ASHWORTH FOR SPORTING DIRECTOR ROLE

 According to reports from ESPN, Arsenal, which still has the role of sporting director vacant after Edu’s resignation, has added Dan Ashworth to their list of potential candidates for the role, following his abrupt departure from Manchester United after just five months in the position.

The experienced sporting director’s exit was announced by Manchester United on Sunday. Many sources have identified his early exit to be attributed to a series of disputes with senior officials at the club. Manchester United underwent a transformation last summer over their recruiting team after a series of bad results have declined the team’s chances of competing among elite teams in all competitions. The most successful English side employed INEOS to take charge of player transfers moving forward, and the group paid £2-3m in compensation to Newcastle United to secure Dan Ashworth’s services, whom they waited for longer than he was in post. Dan Ashworth didn’t publicize the key reasons for leaving the Red Devils, but a series of occurrences between the change in managerial roles from Erik Ten Hag to Ruben Amorim could have played a significant role. INEOS had backed the Dutch coach over the summer and then sacked him 13 games into the new season. Like Erik Ten Hag, Dan Ashworth’s exit will come at an additional cost for the Red Devils. 

Arsenal have reportedly joined the race to bag the experienced director to take their efforts to greater heights. Although his reputation has taken a hit, Ashworth remains highly regarded for his successful stints with the Football Association (FA), Brighton, and in Newcastle United. His previous working experience with Arsenal’s current managing director, Richard Garlick, during their time at West Bromwich Albion is also a plus and the both could possible link up again in the near future.

At the time, Garlick served as West Brom’s legal director-secretary before stepping into Ashworth’s role as sporting and technical director in 2013 when Ashworth left for the FA. The two are said to have had a strong professional relationship, which could play a role in Arsenal’s interest especially with Garlick leading the search for a potential replacement since Edu’s departure.

Edu resigned from the role at Arsenal last month to join Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’ multi-club group. His decision was unexpected and reportedly surprised the Arsenal Board who had no succession plan in-place. He is currently on six months of gardening leave.

Interim assistant technical director Jason Ayto has taken on additional responsibilities to fill in the bridge, with Garlick also providing the needed support, particularly for the upcoming January transfer window. The Gunners are in no rush to fill the role as they anticipate a relatively quiet transfer window unless unexpected injuries or opportunities arise. Ashworth’s availability is of particular interest due to his credentials and history with Garlick. Manchester United have not clarified whether Ashworth is also on gardening leave or if there are legal constraints preventing him from accepting another role.

The process to appoint Edu’s successor is being overseen by an executive team that includes Garlick, manager Mikel Arteta, board member Tim Lewis, and co-chair Josh Kroenke. Arsenal intends to conduct a thorough and methodical search to consider candidates who fit into their ideal man for the role. However, they acknowledge that replicating Edu’s unique connection to the club as a former player and an Invincible will be challenging.

UPCOMING ARSENAL FIXTURES

Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace, Carabao Cup, Wednesday 18th December, Emirates Stadium, London, 19:30

Crystal Palace vs. Arsenal, Premier League, Saturday 21st December, Selhurst Park, London, 17:30

Arsenal vs. Ipswich Town, Premier League, Friday 27th December, Emirates Stadium, London, 20:15

Brentford vs. Arsenal, Premier League, Wednesday 1st January, Gtech Community Stadium, London, 17:30

Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Arsenal, Premier League, Saturday 4th January, Amex Stadium, Brighton, 17:30

Arsenal vs. Manchester United, The FA Cup, Sunday 12th January, Emirates Stadium, London, 15:00

Arsenal vs. Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League, Wednesday 15th January, Emirates Stadium, London, 20:00

Arsenal vs. Aston Villa, Premier League, Saturday 18th January, Emirates Stadium, London, 17:30

Arsenal vs. Dinamo Zagreb, UEFA Champions League, Wednesday 22nd January, Emirates Stadium, London, 20:00

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Arsenal, Premier League, Saturday 25th January, Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton, 15:00

Girona vs. Arsenal, UEFA Champions League, Wednesday 29th January, Estadi Montilivi, Girona, 20:00

WHERE TO GET TICKETS TO ARSENAL GAMES!

Don’t miss out on the action at the Emirates and beyond again as Arsenal tickets are in high demand, especially for these well-anticipated upcoming fixtures. Make sure you act fast and secure a spot for yourself and your loved ones through a trusted secondary ticket marketplace. Compare prices and seating options to find your perfect view of the action, as the Gunners battle for silverware this season.

The win against AS Monaco has only inspired more light for a fruitful European campaign this season. The club keeps showing great evolution, resilience, and determination under Mikel Arteta. The biggest question mark is being consistent, and the next few games will determine the trajectory of the team as they try to break their decades-long wait for the domestic League title. Secure your tickets, and avoid missing the chance to support the Gunners Live at the games in the 2024/25 season.

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