Saka's Joke Failed First Hattrick For Arsenal: Havertz Blocks

Bukayo Saka became an important actor in Arsenal's victory over Monaco (Instagram/@arsenal).

JAKARTA - Arsenal won convincingly 3-0 at home to Monaco in their sixth Champions League match at the Emirates, Thursday, December 12, 2024, early morning WIB.

Bukayo Saka led the Gunners to earn three important points. The England international contributed two goals and one assist in the match.

Saka's goal opened with a flick in the 34th minute using a cross to the far post from Gabriel Jesus.

Then, he returned to the scoreboard in the 78th minute after taking advantage of the Monaco goalkeeper's mistake.

At the end of the match, Saka was actually on the verge of scoring a hat trick in the 88th minute he received a wild ball in the penalty box.

He fired a shot which Kai Havertz turned to become the third goal. As a result, the goal was recorded on behalf of Havertz.

Saka pun gagal mencetakkan hattrick pertamanya musim ini, sekaligus perdana selama membela Arsenal.

The 23-year-old was not angry. He only joked after the game that Havertz stopped him from scoring a hat trick.

"He's in the way. However, don't worry, it will happen (hattrick) soon. It will happen soon," Saka said of Havertz with a laugh.

The most important thing is Saka's contribution in Arsenal's three goals. He was again a determinant for the team.

Not surprisingly, the Gunners manager, Mikel Arteta, said the 23-year-old right-wing was on his way to world-class levels.

"You have to be able to do that consistently for years to put yourself in that position."

"We can compare what he has done in his first six years as a professional footballer, which is amazing. You know, that's all. The goal is to develop."

"He has players and the environment to keep doing that. I'm sure he will," said Arteta.

Victory over Monaco brought Arsenal up to third in the Champions League standings with a collection of 13 points.

Their move to advance to the round of 16 was wide open with two games remaining.

"In the first half we were supposed to end the game (many golden chances failed to become goals), but we didn't."

"In the Champions League, you will experience difficult times and we suffer. Then with the second goal, the game gets under control," said the Spanish manager.

Arsenal's last two games in the Champions League are against Dinamo Zagreb at home and away to Girona which will be held in January 2025.