Arsenal's Champions League campaign continued with a 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague, thanks in large part to Mikel Merino's stellar performance. With Viktor Gyokeres out injured, Merino stepped up as a makeshift striker, scoring twice in the second half to propel Arsenal to the top of the group. This win also marked a defensive achievement, as Arsenal secured their eighth clean sheet in a row, equaling a club record from the 1903/04 season. Moreover, they became the first English team to win their first four games in the competition without conceding since Leeds United in the 1969/70 European Cup.
The match began with Slavia Prague dominating the opening 20 minutes, creating several opportunities. However, Arsenal's resilience and defensive prowess, exemplified by William Saliba, Gabriel, and Jurrien Timber, kept them in the game. Bukayo Saka's penalty, awarded after a VAR review, broke the deadlock. Arsenal then showcased their attacking prowess, with Merino scoring twice in quick succession, the second coming from a simple finish after a cross by Leandro Trossard.
The match also saw the introduction of Max Dowman, who became the youngest Champions League player at 15 years and 308 days old, making his European debut for the club. Despite Slavia Prague's efforts, Arsenal's depth and defensive strength proved too much, securing their place at the top of the Premier League and now the Champions League.
Mikel Arteta praised Merino's performance, highlighting his versatility, mindset, and leadership. Arteta's analysis of Arsenal's defense, which has been a cornerstone of their success, was also featured, emphasizing their ability to press, maintain a low block, and have key duel winners. The article concludes with a look ahead to Arsenal's upcoming fixtures and a call to action for fans to watch their games live.
