Arsenal extended their perfect Champions League record to four wins from four with a convincing 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague at the Fortuna Arena. Mikel Merino scored twice and Bukayo Saka added a first-half penalty as the Gunners cruised to a 10th consecutive win in all competitions.
It was another commanding display from Mikel Arteta’s men, who also equalled a club record by keeping their eighth successive clean sheet — a feat first achieved in 1903. Despite missing injured striker Viktor Gyökeres, Arsenal showed no signs of slowing down, with Merino stepping up as an unlikely hero in attack.
The game began with Arsenal struggling to find rhythm against a resilient Slavia Prague side. The Czech champions pressed aggressively and carved out an early chance when Lukas Provod fired narrowly wide. But Arsenal, calm under pressure, soon found their breakthrough.
In the 32nd minute, VAR intervened after Gabriel’s flick from a corner struck Provod’s arm inside the area. Referee Marco Guida pointed to the spot, and captain Bukayo Saka confidently sent goalkeeper Jakub Markovic the wrong way to put Arsenal ahead.
That goal steadied the visitors, who began to dominate possession. Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard dictated tempo from midfield, while Leandro Trossard’s movement kept Slavia’s defence on edge.
After the interval, Arsenal wasted no time doubling their lead. Just 40 seconds into the second half, Trossard delivered a curling cross from the left, which Merino met with a precise volley into the bottom corner. It was a striker’s finish from the midfielder, who was playing in an advanced role due to Gyökeres’ absence.
Merino wasn’t done. In the 68th minute, Declan Rice’s whipped delivery found the Spaniard unmarked. As Markovic rushed out, Merino rose highest to head home his second of the night and third goal of the season, sealing Arsenal’s victory.
The 29-year-old, who has often been used as a versatile midfielder under Arteta, once again demonstrated his ability to adapt and deliver in key moments. His intelligence and composure up front gave Arsenal a different dimension, and he was deservedly named player of the match.
Late in the game, Slavia Prague briefly thought they had earned a penalty after Ben White was adjudged to have fouled Provod. However, after a VAR review, the referee overturned his decision, much to the frustration of the home supporters.
There was also a memorable moment for Arsenal’s academy. Fifteen-year-old Max Dowman made history by becoming the youngest player ever to feature in a Champions League match, breaking the previous record held by Borussia Dortmund’s Youssoufa Moukoko. Dowman replaced Trossard late on, earning huge applause from both sets of fans.
Arteta praised his team’s professionalism after the final whistle: “We knew it was a tough place to come, but the players showed maturity and control. Merino was exceptional — his attitude and finishing were top class.”
The result leaves Arsenal top of their group and on course to qualify directly for the last 16. Their next Champions League test comes against Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium later this month.
For Slavia Prague, the defeat leaves them with an uphill battle to progress, though their spirited display in the first half showed glimpses of quality.
As for Arsenal, their form continues to sparkle. They have now gone 13 matches unbeaten in all competitions, scoring freely and defending with discipline. With the likes of Gyökeres and Gabriel Jesus still to return, Arteta’s side look every bit a contender both domestically and in Europe.
It was a night of history, dominance, and maturity — and another reminder that Arsenal’s resurgence under Arteta shows no sign of slowing down.
