Mikel Merino confirmed his makeshift striker expertise as soon as once more instead of the injured Viktor Gyokeres as his double despatched Arsenal high of the Champions League through a 3-0 win over Slavia Prague.
Gyokeres’ damage involved Mikel Arteta however his woes had been eased by the Spaniard placing twice within the second half – on an evening when Arsenal additionally entered the defensive historical past books.
An eighth clear sheet in a row equals a membership document for consecutive shutouts set within the 1903/04 season, whereas this Arsenal staff have change into the primary English facet to win their first 4 video games on this competitors with out conceding since Leeds United within the 1969/70 European Cup.
These information had been underneath risk within the early phases amid a raucous ambiance. Arsenal had been sloppy in possession because the hosts dominated the opening 20 minutes, with Lukas Provod firing their greatest likelihood broad from a great space.
However Arsenal slowed down the momentum and stepped onto the sport. Bukayo Saka was denied 3 times by goalkeeper Jakub Markovic – earlier than he finally bought his likelihood – and it got here through a nook.
Saka’s supply aimed for Gabriel however struck Provod on the arm and VAR helped give a penalty by sending the referee to the monitor. The Arsenal winger dispatched his spot-kick with ease.
From that time, Arsenal knew they might go on to win. They bought their second 36 seconds after half-time as Leandro Trossard’s cross discovered Merino utterly unmarked and he had a easy end.
Merino was at it once more as Markovic got here and did not seize Declan Rice’s ball into the field, with the Spaniard getting there first to nod residence.
Arsenal had been residence and dry and even introduced on Max Dowman, who turned the youngest Champions League participant at 15 years and 308 days outdated – with 17-year-old ahead Andre Harriman-Annous additionally making his European debut for the membership.
Slavia thought they had been going to get a shot heading in the right direction, not to mention a purpose, when Ben White’s problem resulted in a penalty being awarded – however replays confirmed Provod, who had a troublesome evening, had dealt with simply earlier than the problem.
In every week the place Arsenal’s damage woes precipitated concern, their depth and defensive numbers stepped as much as assist them once more. They’re high of the Premier League and now the Champions League.
Arteta: A pleasure to have Merino
Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta:
“It’s a joy to have him [Merino]. It’s his versatility on the pitch, the things he can do. It’s his mindset, his leadership and the way he is as a person.
“Mikel hadn’t played there [as a striker] in his career but we had a good experience of last season with the way he reacted and performed. We believe today, the way they were set up, it was a good chance for him to perform.
“He always has good timing, and is capable of finishing the ball especially with one touch. And then it’s about talking to him and making sure that he plays closer to the goal.
“He identifies opportunities, the timing of it and the way he needs to attack the spaces in relation to how they defend.”
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Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta praises teenager Max Dowman after he turned the Champions League’s youngest participant
Evaluation: Arsenal’s defence seems unbreakable proper now
Sky Sports activities’ Sam Blitz in Prague:
First, it’s a must to get via the press. Arsenal’s front-footed play makes it not possible for opponents to play out from the again.
Then it’s a must to get via the low block. Arsenal are up there with the highest Premier League groups for distance lined – as they transfer from that press right into a low block that lets nothing via.
If you’re fortunate sufficient to get via, then there are key duel winners in William Saliba, Gabriel and Jurrien Timber to get previous. Declan Rice performs in entrance of them too.
And should you then get a shot – which six groups have solely managed to do 3 times between them within the area of a month – you then nonetheless need to beat David Raya.
Taking a look at that components, it’s no shock Arsenal have managed eight clear sheets in a row. It has wanted Erling Haaland to get previous this staff from open play.
