"What a guy": Declan Rice blown away by £31m Arsenal star who won 8 duels vs Slavia Prague

Arsenal secured a fourth-straight Champions League win after a 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague at the Fortuna Arena on Tuesday evening.

The Czech champions had a good start against the Gunners with plenty of high pressing, but Mikel Arteta’s side withstood the early pressure.

The Gunners eventually gained more control as the first half progressed. Bukayo Saka opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute.

Arsenal doubled their lead shortly after the interval. Mikel Merino scored with a cushioned volley in the 46th minute before a header to make it 3-0.

Merino has been a revelation as an emergency striker for the Gunners. He has bagged nine goals and three assists from 17 games playing upfront for the club since February.

Shortly after the 3-0 win, the Spaniard expressed his delight on Instagram. Declan Rice was one of those to respond with a three-word message, he commented: ‘What a guy’.

Here is a screenshot.

Viktor Gyokeres’ muscle injury paved the way for Merino to start upfront for the second time this season.

The 29-year-old had a slow start against Slavia, but he was phenomenal after the interval.

His goals put the game beyond Slavia’s sights, and obviously dampened their spirits.

Aside from his brace, Merino won an impressive eight duels and 100 percent of his tackles (1/1).

He also made three recoveries, three interceptions and two clearances.

The Spaniard completed 22 out of 30 passes attempted and drew three fouls from the hosts.

The £31 million-rated star is expected to continue to lead the line when the Gunners take on Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday evening at the Stadium of Light.

Arsenal hope Gyokeres will return before the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.

Gabriel Martinelli, who is nursing a muscle injury, could also be fit to face Spurs on November 23.

There is a possibility that Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz could make the matchday squad too. They are anticipated to return to full training during the break.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

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