Arsenal delivered a masterclass in clinical finishing and defensive solidity, dismantling Slavia Prague 3-0 at the Fortuna Arena to maintain their flawless start in the UEFA Champions League league phase.
The Gunners, who now boast a club-record eight consecutive clean sheets across all competitions, temporarily ascended to the top of the league phase table.
Goals from Gabriel Magalhães, Bukayo Saka (from the penalty spot), and Mikel Meriño sealed a comprehensive victory that underlined Mikel Arteta’s side’s dominance on the continental stage.
Slavia manager Jindřich Trpišovský had vowed “blood and thunder” in front of a raucous home crowd, but Arsenal absorbed early pressure and struck decisively.
Just two minutes in, Magalhães rose highest to power home a left-footed volley from the edge of the box that whistled past goalkeeper Jakub Markovič.
The hosts showed flashes of intent, but Arsenal’s high press and transitional speed proved lethal.
Midway through the first half, Saka twice tested Markovič, who was equal to both efforts.
The breakthrough for 2-0 arrived on the half-hour mark when Gabriel’s header was controversially adjudged to have been blocked by the arm of Lukáš Provod.
After a pitchside review, referee Aliyar Aghayev pointed to the spot, and Saka calmly dispatched the penalty into the bottom corner.
Arsenal doubled their lead just 36 seconds into the second half in spectacular fashion.
Leandro Trossard whipped in a pinpoint cross from the left, and Meriño thundered a first-time finish into the roof of the net from six yards – a rare open-play goal that effectively ended the contest.
Late drama saw Slavia awarded a penalty when Ben White collided with Provod in the box, but Arsenal survived the scare as the decision was overturned on review.
Arteta, mindful of a thin squad and an upcoming Premier League clash with Sunderland, introduced summer signing Eberechi Eze and handed 15-year-old Max Dowman a historic debut – the youngster becoming the youngest player ever to appear for Arsenal in the Champions League.
Declan Rice orchestrated the third goal with a sublime through-ball that released Meriño, who unselfishly squared for an unmarked teammate to tap home (the report credits Meriño with the finish, though play-by-play suggests a potential assist).
For Slavia, the defeat leaves them winless in the tournament and teetering on the brink of an early exit.
Arsenal, meanwhile, march on with maximum points and an unbreached rearguard – a statement of intent in their quest for European glory.
