UCL: Merino double seals Arsenal’s 3-0 win at Slavia Prague
Mikel Merino struck twice in the second half as Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague in the Champions League on Tuesday night, maintaining their perfect record in the competition and extending their winning run in all competitions to ten games.
Stand-in captain Bukayo Saka opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute after Slavia skipper Lukas Provod handled inside the box. From there, the Gunners took full control of the tie.
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Just 30 seconds after the restart, Merino doubled the lead, volleying home at the near post after Leandro Trossard’s precise pass split the Slavia defence.
The Spanish midfielder then sealed the win in the 68th minute with a powerful header from Declan Rice’s cross, capping a superb personal display.
The result means Arsenal have now scored 11 goals and conceded none in their four Champions League matches so far this season, sitting comfortably at the top of their group.
There was also a historic moment late in the game as 15-year-old Max Dowman became the youngest-ever player to feature in a Champions League match when he replaced Saka in the 73rd minute.
Despite several absentees, including Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyökeres, and Gabriel Martinelli, Mikel Arteta’s side dominated from start to finish, restricting Slavia to no shots on target.
Slavia remain winless in the competition with just two points from four games, while Arsenal continue to look every bit like serious contenders for the Champions League crown.
