Arsenal extended their flawless start in the UEFA Champions League with a commanding 3-0 win at Slavia Prague on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, thanks to a brace from midfielder Mikel Merino. The victory keeps the Gunners unbeaten in Group E and moves them closer to qualification.
The scoring began in the 32nd minute when Bukayo Saka coolly converted a penalty awarded after VAR reviewed a handball by Slavia’s captain. The game then tilted heavily in Arsenal’s favour in the second half. Within 36 seconds of the restart, Merino volleyed home a cross from Leandro Trossard to double the lead. His second goal came in the 68th minute, a header from a long ball by Declan Rice that deceived the goalkeeper.
The result marked Arsenal’s 10th consecutive win across all competitions and eight matches in a row without conceding a goal, a defensive streak the club hadn’t achieved since 1903. Slavia Prague, meanwhile, remain winless in the group stage and still searching for their first points.
Manager Mikel Arteta praised Merino’s performance, especially given the Spanish midfielder was deployed in a makeshift striker role due to an injury to regular forward . “Mikel adapted brilliantly,” Arteta said, noting the team’s depth and flexibility allowed them to maintain their momentum under difficult circumstances.
The win not only cements Arsenal’s status as favourites in their group but also sends a clear message across Europe: even amid injuries, they maintain attacking firepower and defensive solidity. For Mikel Merino, who stepped up in an unfamiliar role, the match will be viewed as a breakout moment on the biggest stage.
Arsenal now turn their attention to upcoming challenges in both domestic and continental competition, confident that tonight’s display will serve as a springboard for the season ahead.
