Arsenal beat Slavia Prague 3-0, Mikel Merino scored twice
Arsenal won 3-0 at Slavia Prague, equalling the club's record of eight clean sheets since 1903; Mikel Merino came on as a substitute to score twice amid an injury crisis.
Arsenal won convincingly 3-0 at Slavia Prague in the fourth round of the Champions League qualifying round early Wednesday morning (Vietnam time). In the context of the attack's personnel crisis, Mikel Merino - who replaced Viktor Gyokeres - scored twice, helping the North London representative to both get 3 points and equal the club's record of keeping 8 consecutive clean sheets that has existed since 1903.
Mikel Merino scored twice, Arsenal accelerated after the break
After a relatively quiet first 45 minutes, Merino made a breakthrough early in the second half. Receiving a pass from Leandro Trossard, the former Real Sociedad player moved smartly, got away from Jakub Markovic and finished close to the goal, doubling Arsenal's lead.
A header in the 68th minute closed the performance
In the 68th minute, Merino continued to choose the right position to jump high to receive Declan Rice's cross, heading it into the net of Slavia Prague, completing his double. The two moves showed the core values that Merino brings: sharp movement without the ball and coolness in finishing.
Personnel crisis and Mikel Arteta's solution
Arsenal faced a long list of absentees including Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus. In that context, coach Mikel Arteta (43 years old) found a surprising and effective solution in Merino - who was pulled up to take on the goal-scoring responsibility.
Merino not only filled the void but also provided a reliable outlet in the box, linking well with Trossard and exploiting second balls from midfield. His presence helped Arsenal maintain the intensity needed to control the game in the Czech Republic.
Outstanding parameters
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Score | Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal |
| The one who makes an impression | Mikel Merino (double) |
| Merino's goals | Early second half; 68th minute (header) |
| Defensive record | 8 consecutive clean sheets (equalling 1903) |
Merino's "sharp" chain
The 29-year-old midfielder’s positioning and finishing have been key to the win. At international level, he has been on an impressive run of six goals in Spain’s last three World Cup qualifiers. As of now in 2025, his total for club and country stands at 19.
Defense maintains standards, historical records are reached
The win in the Czech Republic also saw Arsenal equal the club’s record of eight consecutive clean sheets, a mark set in 1903. In their soaring run, it was a testament to the organisation and focus of their defence, providing the foundation for the team to control risks and accelerate results.
Impact on the Champions League race
Three points away from home cements Arsenal’s place in Europe’s elite competition. More importantly, the performance against Slavia Prague showed that Arteta’s team still has the character and quality to rotate when short-handed, with Merino providing a temporary but convincing solution in attack.
