AS Monaco manager Adi Hutter voiced his frustration after a costly mistake by Mohammed Salisu contributed to his team’s 3-0 loss against Arsenal in their UEFA Champions League clash.
Salisu’s misjudged back pass in the second half allowed Kai Havertz to intercept, setting up Bukayo Saka to score Arsenal’s second goal with 12 minutes left. Saka had earlier opened the scoring in the 34th minute, while Havertz sealed the victory late on.
“At this level, it is not possible, not acceptable to make such mistakes that are outright gifts,” Hutter remarked post-match. “We were fortunate Arsenal missed several opportunities, but errors like this make the difference in games of this magnitude.”
Despite the defensive lapse, Hutter praised Monaco’s improved second-half performance. “I’m really satisfied with the way we attacked the second half, playing the courageous football I want to see,” he said.
Monaco, fielding a young squad, came close to leveling the score after halftime but fell short, with Salisu’s error proving pivotal. “Unfortunately, the gift on the second goal was too much to overcome at this level,” Hutter lamented.
The defeat leaves Monaco with work to do in their remaining group matches to advance in the competition.
