Arsenal continue to blaze through Europe, extending their flawless Champions League record to four wins from four with a commanding 3–0 victory over Slavia Prague on Tuesday night.
With Viktor Gyökeres sidelined, Mikel Merino stepped up in spectacular style, bagging a brace and proving that Arsenal’s strength in depth is no myth.
Captain Bukayo Saka led by example, calmly converting from the spot to open the scoring, while Declan Rice dictated the rhythm of play in midfield. The Gunners’ fluid passing, relentless pressing, and clinical finishing made the Czech capital their playground.
First-Half Control
Arsenal nearly struck gold early on when Gabriel Magalhães, usually a threat with his head, unleashed a thunderous left-footed effort that flew narrowly wide. Slavia Prague responded with flashes of pressure, but David Raya remained largely untested as most of their attempts failed to hit the target.
Midway through the half, Saka twice forced sharp saves from Jakub Markovic, while Leandro Trossard came close with a clever effort of his own. Arsenal’s corners kept Slavia pinned back, and one of them finally paid off — a VAR review spotted Lukas Provod’s handball, gifting Saka the penalty he ruthlessly converted to give Arsenal the lead.
From that moment on, the Gunners dictated everything. Their composure in possession and intensity off the ball ensured Arteta’s men reached halftime in full control.
Merino Takes Centre Stage
Within seconds of the restart, Leandro Trossard swung in a teasing cross and Merino, inexplicably left unmarked, finished with the calm of a seasoned striker. His confidence soared, and when Declan Rice floated in a perfect delivery minutes later, Merino beat Markovic to the ball and nodded into an empty net.
Slavia’s faint hopes of a comeback disappeared with that goal. Arsenal managed the closing stages professionally, and though a late penalty shout against Ben White caused brief tension, VAR correctly waved it away.
GOAL Rates Arsenal’s Players from the Fortuna Arena
Goalkeeper & Defence
David Raya – 6/10
Barely had a glove on the ball until injury time. Controlled his area with authority and stayed focused throughout an easy night’s work.
Jurrien Timber – 6/10
Quiet game by his standards. Managed just 35 touches before being substituted after 73 minutes, though he defended solidly when called upon.
William Saliba – 6/10
Barely broke a sweat after Slavia’s early energy fizzled out. Composed and commanding as always.
Gabriel Magalhães – 7/10
Involved in everything — both in defence and attack. His deflected effort led to the penalty, and he remains a set-piece menace.
Piero Hincapié – 6/10
Looked composed on his full Champions League debut. Taken off after a knock, likely as a precaution.
Midfield
Ethan Nwaneri – 6/10
Showed composure beyond his years but struggled physically against Slavia’s midfield. Moved the ball intelligently when in space.
Christian Nørgaard – 5/10
A tough night for the Dane. Lost several duels and surrendered possession too often for Arteta’s liking.
Declan Rice – 8/10
The heartbeat of Arsenal’s midfield. Controlled the tempo, completed more passes than anyone else on the pitch, and assisted Merino’s second goal with a brilliant cross.
Attack
Bukayo Saka – 8/10
Captain, creator, and scorer. Coolly dispatched his penalty and became the first Arsenal player ever to net in four consecutive away Champions League matches.
Mikel Merino – 9/10
The unexpected hero. Operating as a makeshift striker, the Spaniard displayed ice-cold finishing and smart positioning. Two goals that showcased his instincts — and reminded everyone of Arsenal’s squad depth.
Leandro Trossard – 7/10
Delivered a pinpoint assist for Merino’s opener and buzzed with energy throughout. Unlucky not to get a goal himself.
Substitutes & Manager
Eberechi Eze – 5/10
Struggled to get involved after coming on.
Max Dowman – 6/10
A moment to remember — at just 15, he became the youngest player in Champions League history.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6/10
Added energy at left-back late on.
Ben White – 5/10
Lucky to avoid conceding a penalty, but otherwise solid.
Andre Harriman-Annous – 6/10
Another teenager making his European debut — handled the pressure well.
Mikel Arteta – 9/10
Another tactical masterclass. Missing seven players through injury and suspension, Arteta rotated smartly and still got a dominant display. Every change worked, and his side never lost focus.
