Bukayo Saka accuses Arsenal team-mate for denying him first-ever hat-trick in Monaco win: 'He got in the way!'

Bukayo Saka has jokingly accused Arsenal teammate Kai Havertz for denying him the first senior hat-trick of his career.

The England international winger helped Arsenal win another Champions League game against Monaco at Emirates Stadium. Saka scored twice in that game, propelling Mikel Arteta's team to victory.

Bukayo Saka.

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In the 88th minute, he was given the opportunity to capture the match ball with a shot struck goalwards. Monaco's goalkeeper may have had it covered, but the effort rebounded off German attacker Havertz and into the net, wrapping up a 3-0 win.

After being denied his first triple, Saka, who finished with three goals on the night, told reporters: "He [Havertz] got in the way of it, but don't worry, it's [a hat trick] coming. It's on its way."

Saka's efforts have made him a vital figure for both club and country, with Arteta responding when asked if the 23-year-old is now in the "world-class" category: "You have to be able to do that consistently over many years to place yourself in that position."

"We can compare what he's done in his first six years of professional football, which is outstanding, and that's it; his goal is to improve. He has the personnel and the atmosphere to keep doing it, and I'm confident he will."

Arsenal, who have come agonisingly short in their Premier League championship ambitions in recent seasons, will return to domestic action on Saturday when they visit Everton, with Saka clearly motivated to score a hat-trick before the 2024-25 season ends.