Arsenal's Champions League campaign continued with a 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague, thanks to a stellar performance by Mikel Merino. Despite the absence of Viktor Gyokeres due to injury, Merino stepped up as a makeshift striker, scoring twice in the second half. This win not only propelled Arsenal to the top of the group but also set a new club record for consecutive clean sheets, equaling the 1903/04 season's achievement.
The match began with Slavia Prague dominating the early stages, creating a raucous atmosphere. However, Arsenal's defensive prowess and the introduction of Bukayo Saka proved pivotal. Saka's corner kick led to a penalty, which he converted with ease. Arsenal's momentum shifted, and they secured their second goal just 36 seconds into the second half, with Merino finding himself unmarked and finishing with simplicity. The Spaniard's performance continued with a third goal, nodding home a ball into the box.
The match also marked a historic moment for Max Dowman, who became the youngest Champions League player at 15 years and 308 days old, joining a 17-year-old forward, Andre Harriman-Annous, in making his European debut for the club. Arsenal's depth and defensive strategy were highlighted by their manager, Mikel Arteta, who praised Merino's versatility and leadership. The team's ability to maintain a clean sheet for eight consecutive games is a testament to their defensive prowess, making them a formidable force in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
The match statistics showcased Arsenal's dominance, with their front-footed play and low block strategy proving effective. The team's ability to cover distance and maintain a solid defensive structure, coupled with key duel winners like William Saliba and Gabriel, has made them a challenging team to break down. The analysis by Sky Sports' Sam Blitz emphasized the team's ability to press and transition into a low block, making it difficult for opponents to create scoring opportunities.
