Arsenal extended their perfect start in this season’s Champions League with a 3-0 win over Slavia Prague at the Fortuna Arena on Tuesday, running their group record to four wins from four as Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino (two) found the net. The result left Arsenal briefly top of their Champions League group and preserved a sixth consecutive clean sheet in the competition.
The match’s opening goal came after a video assistant referee review that confirmed a handball by Slavia captain Lukas Provod following a header from Gabriel. Referee Aliyar Aghyeav consulted the pitchside monitor before awarding a penalty, which Arsenal converted to take the lead. That intervention set the tone for a contest in which Arsenal controlled large spells and limited Slavia’s opportunities.
Arsenal doubled their advantage almost immediately after the interval, with Merino volleying home from Leandro Trossard’s cross within a minute of the restart. The second goal effectively put the tie beyond Slavia’s reach and gave Arsenal room to impose their passing game. Merino then completed his brace later in the second half after Declan Rice lofted a ball that goalkeeper Jakub Markovic misjudged, allowing the forward to apply the finish and make the scoreline emphatic.
Managerial decisions in the second half included the introduction of Max Dowman, who became the youngest-ever player to appear in the Champions League. Dowman’s statistical contribution was noted in possession and duels: he completed one dribble, won four of six duels and made two recoveries during his time on the field, helping Arsenal see out the match while gaining valuable minutes at elite level.
Slavia were left to rue late decisions that might have altered the complexion of the game. A late penalty decision was overturned following a VAR review involving Arsenal defender Ben White, a ruling that left the hosts frustrated and ensured Arsenal’s clean sheet remained intact. That review came after Arsenal had already built a two-goal cushion and then extended their lead, but it was significant in negating a potential route back into the match for Slavia.
The victory keeps Arsenal’s Champions League campaign on a strong trajectory, with four wins from four group matches and a clean defensive record through those fixtures. The win at the Fortuna Arena underlined Arsenal’s capacity to manage the game under pressure, use VAR decisions to their advantage, and integrate young talent like Dowman without compromising results. For Slavia, the loss and the late overturned call will be immediate talking points as they assess their European campaign and domestic fixtures to follow.
Arsenal will aim to maintain their unbeaten run and perfect record as the group stage progresses, while Slavia must regroup to respond in their remaining fixtures. The match’s VAR interventions, the recognition of a new youngest-ever Champions League player for Arsenal, and Merino’s clinical finishing are likely to shape discussion around both clubs in the days ahead.