Merino Brace Seals Arsenal’s UCL Win

Arsenal extended their flawless Champions League campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague on Tuesday, securing a fourth win in as many matches.

The Premier League leaders also celebrated their tenth successive victory in all competitions and an eighth clean sheet in a row, further strengthening their position at the top of their group after scoring 11 goals without reply in Europe this season.

Mikel Merino was the star of the night, striking twice in the second half to add to Bukayo Saka’s first-half penalty. His goals ensured Arsenal took complete control in Prague, as Slavia struggled to register any threat, failing to record a single shot on target throughout the match against a resolute Gunners defence.

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Saka opened the scoring from the spot on 32 minutes after Slavia captain Lukas Provod handled during a corner clearance. Just moments into the second half, Merino doubled the lead, finishing at the near post following a well-timed pass from Leandro Trossard. He later headed in Arsenal’s third from a Declan Rice cross in the 68th minute to seal a comfortable win.

Merino Brace Seals Arsenal’s UCL Win. AFP

Arsenal’s line-up included four changes from the side that defeated Burnley 2-0 at the weekend, yet they maintained complete control, dominating possession despite the absence of injured forwards Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli.

Saka threatened repeatedly, forcing several saves from Slavia goalkeeper Jakub Markovic before finally finding the breakthrough.

There was also a historic moment for Arsenal’s Max Dowman, who became the youngest player ever to appear in a Champions League match when he was substituted on at just 15 years and 309 days old.

The defeat leaves Slavia Prague with only two points from four games, while Arsenal continue to set the pace as they aim to secure early qualification from the group phase.

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  • Abdullahi Jimoh

    Abdullahi Jimoh is a multimedia journalist and digital content creator with over a decade's experience in writing, communications, and marketing across Africa and the UK.

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