Arsenal made it four wins from four in the Champions League league phase with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague in the Czech capital. Mikel Merino struck twice in a makeshift centre-forward role, while Bukayo Saka impressed as the Gunners extended their clean-sheet run to eight matches, matching a 122-year-old club record.
The first half saw Arsenal dominate possession but struggle to convert chances until Merino opened the scoring. The second goal came from a moment of fortune: Declan Rice's hopeful long ball hit the back of Merino's head and bobbled through goalkeeper Markovic's arms into the net. Merino added a third later in the half as Slavia struggled to contain the visitors.
The match was also historic for Arsenal's 15-year-old winger Max Dowman, who replaced Leandro Trossard in the 74th minute to become the youngest player ever to feature in the Champions League, breaking the record previously held by Youssoufa Moukoko. Arsenal's defence remained resolute, with David Raya not facing a single shot on target until stoppage time.
Slavia had a late penalty awarded but overturned after a video review when both players raised a boot simultaneously. The hosts failed to test Raya until the 95th minute, when Mbodji's tame effort was easily gathered. The result keeps Arsenal top of the league standings with matches against Bayern Munich, Club Brugge, Inter Milan and Kairat to come.
