Arsenal vs Monaco Preview

• Draw or Arsenal win
• Over 2.5 goals

Arsenal and Monaco, two clubs with shared history and similar fortunes, are set to renew their rivalry in a pivotal UEFA Champions League (UCL) clash.

Both sides sit on 10 points in the league phase with identical records (W3, D1, L1), making this encounter crucial in determining their positions in the table. Here’s an in-depth look at this highly anticipated matchup.

Arsenal: Seeking Home Dominance in Europe

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal approach this game with a point to prove after a 1-1 draw at Fulham over the weekend cost them an opportunity to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Despite this domestic setback, the Gunners remain a formidable force at home in European competitions, having won six of their last seven UCL matches at the Emirates Stadium (D1).

Notably, Arsenal has shown dominance against French opposition recently, with commanding wins over Lens (6-0) and Paris Saint-Germain (2-0).

However, the shadow of previous encounters with Monaco looms large. Arsenal has lost both prior head-to-heads, including a memorable 3-1 defeat at the Emirates in the 2014/15 knockout stages.

Arteta will rely on his team’s home advantage and defensive solidity to secure a vital win. Arsenal’s backline has been boosted by the goal-scoring exploits of William Saliba, who has found the net in two consecutive games.

The Frenchman’s ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch could be a key factor in this matchup.

Monaco: Cross-Channel Specialists with a Point to Prove

Monaco’s UCL campaign has been impressive, with the Monégasques scoring more goals (12) than Arsenal (8) in the league phase. Fresh off a 2-0 victory over Toulouse in Ligue 1, Monaco is brimming with confidence.

However, they’ll need to set aside domestic ambitions temporarily to focus on maintaining their European momentum.

The Monégasques have a strong record against English clubs, winning five of their last seven UCL matches against Premier League opposition (L2).

Their previous visit to the Emirates ended in a famous 3-1 win, but their away form in recent UCL campaigns has been inconsistent. The victory over Bologna on matchday four ended a run of eight winless away games (D4, L4 – excluding qualifiers), and Monaco will be keen to prove that it wasn’t a one-off.

Breel Embolo, who scored on Saturday, will be a player to watch. The Swiss international has shown a knack for finding the net at crucial moments, with three of his last four goals coming between the 35th minute and half-time. His battle with Arsenal’s Saliba promises to be a fascinating subplot.

Key Players to Watch

William Saliba (Arsenal): The centre-back has been in fine form, scoring after the break in Arsenal’s last two fixtures. Saliba’s defensive prowess and aerial ability will be tested against Monaco’s attacking threats.

Breel Embolo (Monaco): Embolo’s return to scoring form is a significant boost for Monaco. His ability to exploit spaces and score in the first half could pose problems for Arsenal’s defence.

Tactical Insights

Arsenal will likely stick to their high-possession, fluid attacking style, with an emphasis on controlling the tempo of the game. Key to their approach will be their ability to neutralise Monaco’s counter-attacking threat, particularly through Embolo and Monaco’s wide players.

Monaco, on the other hand, will aim to exploit Arsenal’s defensive transitions. With their ability to score against English opposition, manager Adi Hütter may deploy a disciplined approach, focusing on quick counters and set-pieces to unsettle the hosts.

Prediction

This clash is expected to be a closely fought contest. Arsenal’s home form and attacking depth give them the edge, but Monaco’s knack for performing against English sides and their superior goal tally add an element of unpredictability.

A tight game with moments of brilliance from both sides is likely, but Arsenal’s home advantage might tilt the balance. A 2-1 victory for the Gunners seems a plausible outcome, though Monaco’s attacking quality ensures this will be no straightforward task.

As Arsenal and Monaco prepare to write the next chapter in their European rivalry, fans can look forward to a thrilling encounter that could have major implications for both sides’ UCL campaigns.

Will Arsenal maintain their dominance at the Emirates, or can Monaco conjure another memorable performance on English soil? The stage is set for a classic.

For more info on this game, you may also visit:
Arsenal vs Monaco | UEFA Champions League 2024/25