Matokeo Champions League
Arsène Wenger’s side struggled to find their best form in a cagey first half as they came up against robust, well-organised French opponents who denied them any clear sight of goal.
The visitors grabbed a shock lead in the 38th minute when Geoffrey Kondogbia’s long-range shot deflected off Per Mertesacker and past David Ospina.
It was a hammer blow for the hosts, and things got even worse after the interval as Monaco doubled their advantage when they broke at speed and scored through Dimitar Berbatov.
Olivier Giroud blasted an opportunity over the bar as the Gunners sought a foothold in the tie, but they were indebted to Ospina soon afterwards when he made a smart block to deny Anthony Martial.
Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck both came close as the hosts pushed on, and finally they had their reward in injury time when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain curled a superb shot into the top corner.
It felt like a goal that could have changed the tie, but there was another late twist as Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco counter-attacked at speed and scored right at the death for the visitors.
It leaves Wenger’s side with a huge battle ahead of them in the return leg on March 17.
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