Arsenal took a big step towards the knockout stages of the Champions League as Bukayo Saka once again acted as a catalyst with his brace to help them to a 3-0 win over AS Monaco on Wednesday.

Mikel Arteta’s side began the game outside the top eight of the extended league phase and still had a lot to do to avoid being drawn into the playoffs.

It wasn’t all plain sailing for Arsenal, who were guilty of some over-the-top finishing, but England striker Saka ensured they moved up to third in the table with two games to play.

He put the ball ahead in the 34th minute after a pass from Gabriel Jesus, and just when it looked like a series of missed chances from his teammates might prove costly, he got his second goal in the 78th minute.

Substitute Kai Havertz secured Arsenal’s fourth win from six games in this year’s competition in the 88th minute.

Arsenal have 13 points while Monaco, who began the evening’s game with the London club, are now in 16th place with 10 points.

Arteta was handicapped by injury and handed 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly his first Champions League start. The left-back played a key role in Saka’s opening goal.

He defied a challenge and showed great vision, breaking through Monaco’s defensive line with a pinpoint pass to Gabriel Jesus, whose low cross was met by Saka.

Monaco’s initial poise weakened and they were lucky not to be outmatched before the break.

A terrible mistake from Soungoutou Magassa put Martin Ødegaard clear on goal. The Norway international looked certain to score but his shot went wide of the post.

The Brazilian Jesus, who has not scored again this season, had previously spurned a one-on-one and another good chance, both times being denied by Monaco goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki.

Gabriel Martinelli was also at fault when Arsenal somehow only had a one-goal lead at half-time.

Emboldened by these escape attempts, Monaco threatened to make Arsenal pay in the second half when Thilo Kehrer fired a header just wide from a free-kick and former Liverpool player Takumi Minamino then fired too close to David Raya as the Ball to him the area was cut back.

However, all their good work was undone when they gave Arsenal an early Christmas present in the 78th minute.

A mix-up between defender Mohammed Salisu and his goalkeeper allowed Saka to score his ninth goal of the season in all competitions and ease late nerves.