Merino scored twice as Arsenal won 3-0 against Slavia Prague
Arteta made do with his strikers absent: Merino played as a centre-forward, scoring twice in a 3-0 win over Slavia Prague. Arsenal reached 10 wins, 8 clean sheets; 15-year-old Dowman set a record.
In the cold of Prague, Mikel Arteta made a simple but decisive move: moving Mikel Merino to play as a centre-forward. The result was a brace and a 3-0 win over Slavia Prague, extending Arsenal's run of 10 consecutive wins and eight clean sheets.
Emergency striker and Arteta's adaptation
With Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Havertz all absent, Arteta activated the “emergency plan” with Merino playing the highest position. The contract from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2024 is a strong and versatile central midfielder, but when pushed to the spearhead, he transformed into a classic No. 9: wall, aerial and neat finisher.
Arteta did not hide his satisfaction after the match: “It is great to have him in the team. Merino has the mindset, the spirit and the ability to play in many different roles. When most of the strikers were missing, he still knew how to make a difference. The two goals were a worthy reward.”
Two finishes and a leisurely Prague night
Merino scored twice in two very “striker” ways: a close-range volley and a deflected header that hit his back and went into the net. It was a combination of positioning, timing and a sense of space – exactly what Arteta hoped for when he placed him near the box.
Bukayo Saka also scored from the penalty spot, completing a 3-0 win and turning the night into a controlled affair for Arsenal.
Flexible philosophy: keep Merino near the penalty area
According to Arteta, Merino is not a wide-ranging or speed-based No. 9. His value lies in his sense of space and his ability to finish with one touch. “He has a great rhythm and feel for goals. It’s just a matter of getting Merino closer to the box and taking the chances. And he does that.”
It is worth mentioning that Arsenal did not plan to use Merino as a center forward from the beginning of the season. But in the context of a shortage of attacking personnel, the "reluctant" choice worked smoothly, providing an immediate and effective tactical solution.
Clean sheet streak and milestones
Arsenal's defence continues to build on their solid foundations: 800 minutes without conceding a goal in all competitions. A run of eight consecutive clean sheets is a record equal to the 1903 season.
The night in Prague also marked a historic moment when 15-year-old Max Dowman came on in the second half to become the youngest player ever to appear in the Champions League.
Selected statistics
- Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal
- Mikel Merino: double as a striker
- Bukayo Saka: scored from the penalty spot
- Arsenal: 10 consecutive wins; 8 consecutive clean sheets
- 800 minutes without conceding a goal in all competitions
- Max Dowman: 15 years old, the youngest player ever to play in the Champions League
Tactical impact and messaging
Merino proved a reliable attacking option when Arsenal were short of a striker. Arteta’s versatility – from his team’s positioning to pushing the finishing touch closer to goal – solidified the winning foundation while also expanding his tactical options for the next phase.
From a central midfielder, Merino has flourished in the role of a striker. In the short term, it is a way out. In the long term, it is an additional component for Arsenal to maintain a winning rhythm and stability.