Arsenal 3-0 Slavia, already a candidate for Champions League 2025?

In the cold of Prague, Arsenal beat Slavia Prague 3-0, extending their run of wins and clean sheets in the Champions League. More important was the way they won: a bold decision by Mikel Arteta up front, a nearly impeccable defensive structure, and a sense of a team in gear.

Merino striker: emergency solution to leverage

Without Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli due to injury, Arteta was forced to make do. He moved Mikel Merino – a central midfielder – up to play as a striker. It was not the plan at the start of the season, but it turned out to be a tactical lever at the right time.

Merino scored twice: a delicate volley early in the second half and a fortunate rebound into the net. He lacked Gyokeres’s pace, but he made up for it with positioning and cool finishing. For 90 minutes, Arsenal had two players in one: a tempo-setting midfielder and a finisher.

Control and discipline: the foundation of a champion

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

According to OptaJoe, Arsenal have won eight consecutive games in all competitions without conceding a goal, equalling a record that has stood for over 100 years, held by Preston North End (1889) and Liverpool (1920). In total, they have gone nearly 800 minutes without conceding a goal – a rare feat in top-flight football. In the Champions League alone, this is their fourth consecutive clean sheet.

Squad depth: big difference in crunch time

Even without Martin Zubimendi in midfield, and expensive new signing Eberechi Eze on the bench, Arsenal still maintained stability and cohesion. What used to be a limitation in the past – depth – has now become a plus: the replacement pieces still play their roles well, the system does not fall apart when there are changes in the force.

Message to Europe

While some big names like Barca or Manchester City have not reached their most stable state, Arsenal have made steady progress: solid defense, flexible attack and strong collective spirit. These are the identifying factors of a real candidate, not just based on individual moments but based on structure and winning habits.

Is Arsenal a candidate to win the 2025 Champions League?

At this point, the answer is yes. Arsenal have the core ingredients: a solid European defense, an adaptable attack, a talented coach, and a cohesive team. There are still tough tests ahead, but from Prague, they have sent a clear message: Arsenal are no longer apprentices in Europe. If they keep up the current pace, the Gunners can absolutely dream of their first Champions League title.

The outstanding numbers

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