Arsenal – Slavia Prague: Makeshift Merino Strikes Twice as Arsenal Smash Defensive Record in Prague (0–3)

Arsenal’s Champions League campaign transitioned from dominant to historically significant with a commanding 3–0 victory away to Slavia Prague. The win not only maintained their perfect European record but also matched a remarkable 122-year-old club milestone — eight consecutive clean sheets in all competitions. The decisive moments came from a penalty and the unexpected brilliance of Mikel Merino, deployed as a makeshift forward. Arsenal’s triumph was built on tactical patience, controlled tempo, and a defense currently operating at an elite, near-impenetrable level.

Tactical analysis and match report by Aderemi Qoyum

This Champions League group stage encounter pitted Arsenal's controlled, possession-based football against Slavia Prague's commitment to a deep, physical defensive unit. With key attacking options missing, Mikel Arteta used a tactical gamble, entrusting midfielder Mikel Merino to lead the line as an auxiliary striker. Jindřich Trpišovský's Slavia side aimed to stifle Arsenal's creative players, forcing them into hopeful crosses while hunting for quick turnovers to launch counter-attacks. The tactical duel focused intently on Arsenal's ability to maintain central superiority to break down the highly compact defensive lines.

Jindřich Trpišovský’s Slavia Prague alternated between 3-4-3 and 4-4-2 shapes. Jakub Markovic started in goal behind Vlček, Zima, and Chaloupek. The midfield featured David Moses, Christos Zafeiris, and Michal Sadílek, with Youssoupha Mbodji wide, who at times dropped as a left fullback. Lukáš Provod, Tomáš Chorý, and Youssoupha Sanyang formed the front line.

Arteta set his side up in a fluid 4-3-3 formation. David Raya in goal; a back four of Jurriën Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel . . .