Mikel Merino’s brilliant second-half brace powered Arsenal to a 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague in Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League clash, marking their fourth consecutive win in the competition.
The result also extended the Premier League leaders’ overall winning streak to 10 matches across all competitions while maintaining their eighth straight clean sheet.
With this latest triumph, the Gunners have now scored 11 goals and conceded none in the group stage, further solidifying their position at the top of the standings.
The night also saw history made when 15-year-old Max Dowman became the youngest-ever player to feature in a Champions League game, coming on in the 73rd minute at just 15 years and 309 days old.
Bukayo Saka, serving as stand-in captain, opened the scoring in the 32nd minute from the penalty spot after Slavia’s captain, Lukas Provod, handled the ball while attempting to clear a corner.
Just 30 seconds into the second half, Merino doubled Arsenal’s advantage, volleying home at the near post after Leandro Trossard picked him out with a precise pass into the box. The Spanish midfielder then sealed the win in the 68th minute, rising to head home Declan Rice’s cross past goalkeeper Jakub Markovic.
Merino’s inclusion was one of four changes made by manager Mikel Arteta following Arsenal’s 2-0 Premier League win over Burnley at the weekend. Despite missing injured forwards Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal’s attacking rhythm remained unbroken.
The match began energetically, with Gabriel Magalhaes blasting wide early and Provod missing a chance at the other end. However, Slavia struggled to break through Arsenal’s disciplined defence and failed to register a single shot on target throughout the contest.
Saka was particularly active, testing Markovic three times within eight minutes during the first half, though the Slavia goalkeeper denied him on each occasion. He later stopped another low strike from Saka in the 60th minute, preventing further damage.
The loss leaves Slavia, leaders of the Czech top flight, with just two points from four Champions League matches, while Arsenal continue their march toward qualification with a flawless record.
What You Should Know
Arsenal’s win over Slavia Prague underscores their formidable form under Mikel Arteta, boasting 10 straight victories and eight consecutive clean sheets.
Mikel Merino’s standout performance and Max Dowman’s record-breaking debut highlight the depth and youth promise in Arsenal’s squad. The Gunners remain unbeaten and dominant in Europe this season.
