Saka penalty, Merino brace fire Arsenal to perfect Champions League win against Slavia Prague

Arsenal made it four wins from four in the Champions League with a 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague on Tuesday night, a result that brought more than just three points.

The win marked their eighth successive clean sheet in all competitions, equalling a club record that had stood since 1903. It also made Arsenal the first English side in 55 years to start a European campaign with four shutouts, underlining their defensive dominance this season.

It was far from straightforward in Prague, though. Slavia began brightly, pressing with intensity and unsettling Mikel Arteta’s men in the opening stages. The hosts’ physical approach tested Arsenal’s back line, but the visitors gradually imposed themselves as the half wore on.

A familiar route provided the breakthrough. Gabriel’s flick from a corner struck the arm of Lukas Provod, and after a VAR check, the referee pointed to the spot. Bukayo Saka kept his composure to give Arsenal a first-half lead.

That goal calmed the nerves, but the decisive moment arrived almost immediately after the interval. Declan Rice found Leandro Trossard on the left, and the Belgian’s cross was met by Mikel Merino, who volleyed in neatly at the near post to double the advantage.

From that point, Arsenal’s control was total. Slavia’s attempts to respond were blunted by a disciplined defensive display marshalled by Gabriel and William Saliba. The home side managed just one shot on target, coming deep into stoppage time.

Merino added a third midway through the second half, reacting quickest to another Rice delivery to head home over the stranded goalkeeper. It was another reminder of his adaptability, stepping in up front with Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Odegaard all sidelined.

There was late drama when Slavia thought they had earned a penalty after Ben White was penalised for a high boot, but the decision was overturned by VAR. Arsenal’s clean sheet — and their record-breaking run — remained intact.

The night also produced a historic moment for Max Dowman, who became the youngest player ever to feature in the Champions League at 15 years and 308 days old when he replaced Trossard late on.

In challenging circumstances, with a stretched squad and heavy schedule, Arsenal once again found a way to dominate, defend resolutely, and deliver milestones that speak to the consistency of Arteta’s evolving side.

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