6 talking points as superb Arsenal enjoy record-breaking Champions League win

SLAVIA PRAGUE 0-3 ARSENAL: A brace from Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka’s penalty gave the Gunners another comprehensive victory to continue their perfect start in the Champions League

Arsenal extended their remarkable winning run to 10 games following a 3-0 win away to Slavia Prague. A penalty from Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino’s double ensured the Gunners also maintained their perfect record in the Champions League, moving top of the pile for at least a couple of hours.

Saka’s opener came after a contentious penalty decision. But there was no sense of doubt when Arsenal’s captain on the night fired his strike into the bottom right-hand corner.

Merino’s fine finish gave the Gunners a two-goal advantage within a minute of the restart, affording Mikel Arteta’s side breathing room in the Czech capital. Later in the second haf, the midfielder couldn’t believe his luck when his speculative header ended up in the back of the net thanks a howler from Slavia goalkeeper Jakub Markovic.

Arsenal also extended their impressive run of clean sheets, as David Raya’s latest shutout made it eight in a row. That run may well’ve come to a premature end when the hosts were awarded an 84th-minute penalty, only for it to be overturned after a VAR check.

Here are six talking points from the Fortuna Arena.

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1. VAR controversy benefits Arsenal

Arsenal took time to find their feet in the first half, and it was Slavia who gave them a helping hand to break the deadlock. After a series of corners, a penalty check took place for a handball by Slavia captain Lukas Provod, who argued that ball had actually clipped his head before his hand.

Nevertheless, VAR sent Aliyar Aghyeav over to the monitor and the Azerbaijani referee barely needed a second look. Aghyeavi immediately turned around and pointed to the spot, allowing Bukayo Saka to dispatch from 12 yards and make it 1-0.

2. Saka makes history happy on hunting ground

Bukayo Saka loves a trip to Prague. After scoring in Arsenal’s 4-0 victory over Slavia in April 2021, a Europa League quarter-final clash, he did it again here.

His well-taken penalty wasn’t as spectacular of a goal but it did put him in the record books. The Gunners star has now scored in four consecutive away appearances in the Champions League, making him the first Arsenal player to do so.

Saka netted in Paris, Madrid and Lisbon last season, a run stretching back nearly a full year. Wearing the captain’s armband, the 24-year-old gave Arteta’s men the all-important advantage at the break.

3. Quick out the blocks

The best way to describe Arsenal’s performance in the opening 45 minutes was professional. Although Slavia didn’t manage a shot on target during the first half, they did bother the Gunners in the early stages.

If Arteta asked for more fluidity from his players at half-time, it’s exactly what he got. Just 36 seconds into the second half, Leoandro Trossard’s cross was volleyed home by Mikel Merino, finishing off a slick attack.

The Spaniard found himself in acres of space and used his left foot to put the ball beyond Jakub Markovic, doubling Arsenal’s lead. Suddenly, the Gunners looked a whole lot more secure.

4. Merino gifted a goal after goalkeeping howler

Jakub Markovic didn’t have much of a chance with either of Arsenal’s first two goals – even going the right way for Saka’s penalty – but for the third, all fingers were being pointed his way. In an ambitious attempt to gather a cross, the goalkeeper got it all wrong, mistiming his jump and allowing Merino’s tame header to bounce into the net.

It was game over from there, as Arteta rung in the changes including a record-breaking substitution.

Will Arsenal win the Champions League? Give us your prediction in the comments section.

5. Dowman breaks Champions League record

Aged just 15 years and 308 days, Max Dowman is officially the youngest player in the Champions League history. Brought to replace Trossard, the youngster usurped the previous record holder, ex-Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Youssoufa Moukoko.

Dowman played a neat cameo; completing one dribble, winning four of his six duels and making two recoveries.

6. Imperious Arsenal

Yes, there was still more history to be made on a perfect night for Arsenal. An eighth successive clean sheet means that the Gunners have equalled a club record.

The only other time that Arsenal have managed to stop their opponents scoring in eight consecutive games was in 1903. It’s safe to say Dowman wasn’t born for that.

A lengthy VAR in the dying embers put it under threat, though. Ben White’s challenge on Provod initially saw Aghyeav point to the spot but he overturned his decision on the pitch-side monitor.

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