Mikel Arteta during Arsenal’s victory over Monaco (Picture: Getty)
Martin Keown urged Mikel Arteta to replace Gabriel Jesus with a ‘prolific goalscorer’ after Arsenal’s Champions League victory over Monaco.
Arsenal boosted their hopes of securing automatic qualification to the knockout stages of the Champions League with a comfortable 3-0 win over Monaco at the Emirates Stadium.
Bukayo Saka scored twice and substitute Kai Havertz got on the scoresheet as the Gunners proved too strong for French side Monaco.
The victory leaves Arsenal third in the revamped Champions League group phase ahead of their final two games.
The top-eight move straight into the last-16 stage, while the following 16 clubs go into a play-off, with the bottom 12 teams eliminated.
While Arsenal picked up their fourth Champions League win of the season, club legend Keown believes the match was further proof that his former side need to sign a ‘prolific goalscorer’.
Ex-Manchester City forward Jesus started at the Emirates but missed a couple of chances to score before being subbed off with half an hour remaining.
Gabriel Jesus was subbed off during the Monaco win (Picture: Getty)
Jesus won four Premier League titles and was a consistent goalscorer at the Etihad but has only scored four league goals for Arsenal since the start of last season.
‘We talk about Havertz and Jesus – they need to score more goals and be more ruthless,’ Keown told TNT Sports. ‘There is no doubt about it.
‘I think they could do with that different tool in the box, that player who can find an opportunity out of nothing.
Bukayo Saka scored twice in Arsenal’s Champions League win (Picture: Getty)
‘Jesus has come with a lot of experience, he has bought a lot to the group, but he wants his goals on the pitch.
‘He has played his part but Arsenal need that prolific goalscorer to put these opportunities away.’
The former Arsenal and England defender added: ‘It was a professional performance. There was a little drop but the manager reacted really well to that and made the subs.
‘Really important win tonight for the momentum. Bukayo Saka is on the end of everything, he’s so important. He’s a seasoned professional already.’
Ex-Arsenal defender Martin Keown (Picture: Getty)
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Arteta, meanwhile, was full of praise for his team after they outclassed Monaco and returned to winning ways following a disappointing 1-1 draw with Fulham at the weekend.
‘I’m very happy,’ he said. ‘Obviously scoring the three goals, keeping a clean sheet and winning the game.
‘We started the game very well, in the first half we should have put the game to bed but we didn’t.
‘In the Champions League you will have difficult moments and we suffered but then with the second goal the game was in control.’
On Saka, Arteta added: ‘He looks really mature. What he has already done in the game at his age is incredible.
‘Very humble, a great guy to have around and an incredible talent. He’s a special person. In his role his leadership is increasing.
‘With the young kids he is amazing, with the seniors he is amazing. He is loved by everybody and he makes the difference on the pitch.’
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