Arsenal Cruise Past Slavia Prague with Merino Double
Arsenal have extended their remarkable winning streak to ten matches in all competitions after a commanding 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague in the Champions League. The Gunners, already unbeaten in Europe this season, showcased their ruthless efficiency, with Mikel Merino stepping up in a makeshift striker role to score twice, while Bukayo Saka opened the scoring from the penalty spot. This win also marked Arsenal’s eighth consecutive clean sheet across all competitions, a feat not achieved by the club in the top flight since 1903.
The match at Fortuna Arena began with Slavia Prague pressing aggressively, testing Arsenal’s defense with their physicality, particularly through towering striker Tomas Chory. Despite a few scares, including a brief facial injury to Gabriel Magalhães, Arsenal remained composed, and Saka’s cool penalty after 25 minutes gave them the lead. The Czech champions thought they had a penalty of their own shortly before half-time, but the decision was overturned after a VAR review, leaving Arsenal in control going into the break.
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The second half saw Arsenal at their clinical best. Within 40 seconds of the restart, Merino met a perfectly timed cross from Leandro Trossard, volleying emphatically past the Slavia goalkeeper. His second, a deft header from Declan Rice’s delivery, sealed the victory and underlined his versatility and importance to the squad, particularly with Viktor Gyökeres sidelined with a hamstring injury. Arteta praised Merino for his leadership, mindset, and ability to adapt to the striker role, emphasizing how crucial his contributions have been during this run.
Adding to the excitement, 15-year-old Max Dowman made history as the youngest player ever to feature in the Champions League, replacing Trossard late in the game. Arteta highlighted Dowman’s courage and composure on the pitch, noting that his personality and adaptability made him stand out even at such a young age.
This victory has also cemented Arsenal’s status as defensive juggernauts. The team has now equaled a 122-year-old club record for consecutive clean sheets and is just a few games away from challenging Liverpool’s English record of 11 successive shutouts. Only 12 shots on target were conceded during this eight-game streak, underscoring the solidity and organization of Arteta’s side.
With injuries still affecting several attacking players, including Martin Ødegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Noni Madueke, Arsenal’s ability to maintain such a dominant run is all the more impressive. As they look ahead to the Premier League clash against Sunderland, the team’s mindset, depth, and adaptability continue to be the hallmarks of a side that is not only winning games but also rewriting club records along the way.
Arsenal’s display in Prague was a perfect blend of efficiency, resilience, and tactical intelligence, and with Merino leading the line so effectively, the Gunners are showing they can overcome any obstacles in their path this season.
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