Arsenal 3-0 Slavia: Are they already Champions League contenders for 2025?

In the cold Prague weather, Arsenal beat Slavia Prague 3-0, extending their winning streak and clean sheets in the Champions League. More importantly, it was the way they won: a bold attacking decision by Mikel Arteta, a nearly impenetrable defensive structure, and the feeling of a team that had hit its stride.

Merino stone-cutting: an emergency solution turned into leverage.

Without Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Martinelli due to injury, Arteta was forced to improvise. He moved Mikel Merino – a central midfielder – up to play as a striker. This wasn't the plan at the start of the season, but it proved to be a timely tactical advantage.

Merino scored two goals: a delicate volley early in the second half and a fortunate header that deflected off his head into the net. He doesn't have Gyokeres' speed, but he makes up for it with his positioning and clinical finishing. In those 90 minutes, Arsenal seemed to have two players in one: a midfielder controlling the tempo and a center forward who could finish off opponents.

Control and discipline: the foundation of a champion.

Arteta's mark lies in the structure: Saka continues to be a bright spot in attack, Rice controls the midfield, and the back four of Saliba, Gabriel, Timber, and Piero Hincapie are as solid as steel. Arsenal control the game with confidence and discipline – the language of great teams.

According to OptaJoe, Arsenal have won eight consecutive matches in all competitions without conceding a goal, equaling the more than 100-year-old record of Preston North End (1889) and Liverpool (1920). In total, they have gone nearly 800 minutes without conceding a goal – a rare statistic in top-level football. In the Champions League alone, this is their fourth consecutive clean sheet.

Squad depth: a major difference in crucial stages.

Even without Martin Zubimendi in midfield, and with expensive new signing Eberechi Eze on the bench, Arsenal maintained stability and cohesion. What was once a weakness – lack of depth – has now become a strength: the replacements still perform well, and the system remains intact despite changes in personnel.

A message to Europe

While some big clubs like Barca or Manchester City haven't reached their peak, Arsenal are making steady progress: solid defense, flexible attack, and a strong team spirit. These are the defining characteristics of a true contender, not based on individual moments but on a structure and winning habits.

Are Arsenal contenders for the 2025 Champions League title?

At this point, the answer is yes. Arsenal possesses the essential elements: a solid, European-class defense, an adaptable attack, a capable manager, and a cohesive team. There are still tough tests ahead, but from Prague, they've sent a clear message: Arsenal are no longer apprentices in Europe. If they maintain their current pace, the Gunners can absolutely dream of their first Champions League title.

The outstanding figures