Arsenal moved closer to securing a spot in the Champions League round of 16 with a commanding 3-0 win over Slavia Prague, a match that saw them equal a club record and break a competition milestone.
Bukayo Saka opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the first half before Mikel Merino, playing as a makeshift striker in the absence of Viktor Gyökeres, struck twice to seal a comfortable victory.
The result not only maintained Arsenal’s perfect start in Group play, four wins from four, but also marked their 10th straight triumph in all competitions.
More impressively, it was their eighth consecutive clean sheet, matching a defensive record that dates back to 1903.
Fifteen-year-old Max Dowman added his name to the history books by becoming the youngest player ever to feature in a Champions League match at 15 years and 308 days.
Although the Gunners were not at their slickest, their momentum shows no signs of slowing.
Despite Gyökeres’ injury blow, Merino’s composed finishing ensured the north London side continued their relentless run as the fixtures pile up.
Arsenal endured a shaky start at the Fortuna Arena, with Slavia Prague driven on by their passionate home support.
But once the visitors settled, they began to dominate, and their opener came from another set-piece.
Gabriel’s header from Saka’s corner looped off Lukás Provod, prompting referee Aliyar Aghayev to consult VAR.
After reviewing the footage, he ruled a handball against the Slavia captain, and Saka calmly converted from the spot in the 32nd minute,.his fifth goal of the campaign and second in the Champions League this season.
Less than a minute into the second half, Arsenal doubled their advantage. Leandro Trossard’s cross from the left found Merino, who guided a precise left-foot volley beyond Jakub Markovic.
The Spaniard, deputising brilliantly up front, grabbed his second in the 67th minute, nodding home after Declan Rice’s clever pass had drawn out the goalkeeper.
Dowman’s record-breaking introduction came in the 71st minute, replacing Trossard, while fellow Hale End product Andre Harriman-Annous also made his Champions League debut following his senior bow in the Carabao Cup the previous week.
Slavia Prague thought they had a lifeline late on when referee Aghayev awarded a penalty for Ben White’s challenge on Provod, but another VAR review overturned the decision, sparking frustration from the home fans.
Arsenal’s defensive wall held firm once again, a testament to their growing maturity and confidence as they march ever closer to the knockout stages.
