Mikel Merino once again demonstrated his skills as a makeshift striker in place of the injured Viktor Gökeres to lead Arsenal to the top of the Champions League with a 3-0 win over Slavia Prague.
Gokeres’ injury worried Mikel Arteta, but his worries were allayed by the Spaniard’s two second-half goals on a night that also made Arsenal’s defensive history.
The eight consecutive clean sheets equaled the club record for consecutive shutouts set in the 1903/04 season, and Arsenal became the first English team since Leeds United in the 1969/70 European Cup to win their first four games in the competition without conceding a goal.
In the tumultuous atmosphere, these records were initially under threat. Arsenal were sloppy in possession as the hosts dominated the opening 20 minutes, with Lukas Provod creating the best chances from good areas.
However, Arsenal slowed down and went into the game. Bukayo Saka was thwarted three times by goalkeeper Jakub Markovic, but by the time he finally got his chance, it was a corner kick.
Bukayo Saka puts Arsenal ahead from the penalty spot
Saka’s shot was aimed at Gabriel, but hit Provod in the arm, causing VAR to send the referee to the monitor and award a penalty. The Arsenal winger easily took the spot kick.
From that point on, I was confident that Arsenal would go on to win. Thirty-six seconds after half-time, Merino was completely free from Leandro Trossard’s cross and simply finished to score the second goal.
When Markovic came on and failed to get Declan Rice’s ball into the box, Merino regained his momentum and the Spaniard arrived first to head home.
Arsenal kept a clean sheet at home and brought on Max Dauman, who at 15 years and 308 days became the youngest player in the Champions League, while 17-year-old forward Andre Harriman-Anous also made his European debut for the club.
Slavia thought they would score or even shoot on target when Ben White’s challenge gave them a penalty, but replays showed that Provod, who had had a tough night, had responded just before the challenge.
In a week where Arsenal’s injury troubles caused concern, their depth and defensive numbers have once again been stepped up to help them. They are top of the Premier League and have now won the Champions League as well.
Arteta: I’m happy to have Merino.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta:
“It’s an honor to have him (Merino). It’s his versatility on the pitch, what he can do. It’s his mindset, his leadership and the way he is as a person.
“Mikel has never played there (as a striker) in his career, but he had good experience last season in terms of his reactions and performances. We believe today was a good chance for him to perform, given the way they set up.”
“He always has good timing, especially his ability to finish the ball with one touch. And it’s important to talk to him and make sure he can play closer to the goal.”
“He identifies opportunities, their timing and how they need to attack space in relation to how they defend.”
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praises teenager Max Dauman, who became the youngest player in the Champions League
Analysis: Arsenal’s defense looks impenetrable at the moment
Sam Blitz of Sky Sports in Prague:
First, you have to go through the press. Arsenal play on the front foot, making it impossible for opponents to play from the back.
Next you need to go through the low blocks. Arsenal have moved from pressing to low blocks that don’t let anything through, and are on par with the Premier League’s top teams in terms of reach.
If you’re lucky enough to break through, important winners in duels like William Saliba, Gabriel, and Julian Timber will break through. Declan Rice will also be playing in front of them.
And even if they get a shot (six teams only did it three times in a month), they still have to beat David Raya.
When you look at this formula, it’s no wonder Arsenal have kept eight consecutive clean sheets. Erling Haaland was needed to break through this team from open play.
