Mikel Merino scored twice as Arsenal comfortably beat Slavia Prague 3-0 in the Champions League group stage, extending their winning streak to 10 matches across all competitions. The victory also marked an eighth consecutive clean sheet, equaling a club record set back in 1903.
Merino, stepping in for the injured Viktor Gyokeres, demonstrated his versatility as a makeshift forward, contributing two key goals. The first came in the 32nd minute when a VAR-awarded penalty was converted by captain Bukayo Saka, following a handball by Slavia’s Lukas Provod.
Though Arsenal weren’t at their best in the first half, a solid start to the second half saw Merino volley home a Leandro Trossard cross just seconds after the restart to double their lead. He sealed the win with a header in the 68th minute from a Declan Rice cross, which was mishandled by Slavia goalkeeper Jakub Markovic.
In a historic moment, 15-year-old Max Dowman became the youngest player to feature in the Champions League, breaking the record previously held by Youssoufa Moukoko.
Late in the match, Slavia Prague appealed for a penalty when Provod was fouled by Ben White, but the decision was overturned after a VAR review.
This victory keeps Arsenal’s Champions League record perfect, with four wins from four matches, and extends their unbeaten run to 13 matches in all competitions. The win also highlighted Merino’s importance to the team, stepping up in Gyokeres’ absence.
Arsenal’s next match comes on Saturday, November 8, when they face Sunderland in the Premier League (17:30 GMT). Their next Champions League fixture is against Bayern Munich on Wednesday, November 26 (20:00 GMT), followed by a visit to Club Brugge on December 10 (20:00 GMT).
Slavia Prague will host Athletic Club on Tuesday, November 25 (20:00 GMT), before traveling to Tottenham for their next Champions League match on December 9 (20:00 GMT).
Source: BBC
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