BUKAYO SAKA aimed a cheeky dig towards Kai Havertz after his Arsenal team-mate "got in the way" of his first hat-trick.

Saka, 23, was a top performer for the Gunners as they beat Monaco 3-0 at the Emirates in the Champions League.

The winger netted twice before assisting the third scored by Havertz, 25.

Arsenal's opener came as Saka got in at the far post for a tap-in after Gabriel Jesus fired the ball across the face of goal in the 34th minute.

In the 78th minute pressure on the goalkeeper and defender playing out from Havertz allowed Saka to nick the ball back before doubling his side's lead and his tally for the night.

The third and final goal came as Saka shot a deflected strike on target from close range.

Saka had directed the ball towards the far corner before Havertz was quickest to react at the near post and guide the ball into the net in the 88th minute.

The Havertz touch potentially denied Saka his first Arsenal hat-trick.

And speaking to TNT Sports after the game, he joked: "Yeah, he got in the way of it."

But Saka declared the elusive feat would arrive soon, adding: "But don't worry it's coming, it's coming."

The win saw Arsenal take a major step towards automatic qualification in the Champions League, placing them on 13 points.

Their next match in the tournament now won't arrive until January 22 when they host Dinamo Zagreb, before they head to Girona the following week for the final game in the revamped league phase.

Saka's brace also took his tally for the season up to nine goals and 12 assists, with his European goal tally being doubled thanks to his Emirates exploits.

Post-match he was also full of praise for teen star Myles Lewis-Skelly, who had an outstanding game out of position at left-back.

Saka said of the teen: "I said to him before the game that this is his level and he needs to have no doubts and do what we see him do in training. Amazed with him and he played a big part in the first goal.

Arsenal play host to Everton on Saturday for their next game.