MVP Merino shines, Dowman makes history as perfect Arsenal match club record with Prague win
Arsenal continued their blistering start to the season with a commanding 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague in the Champions League, extending their winning streak to eight matches across all competitions and matching a club record of eight consecutive clean sheets set 122 years ago in 1903.
The night belonged to Mikel Merino, who stepped up in the absence of injured striker Viktor Gyokeres to score twice and earn UEFA’s Player of the Match honors.
Merino, typically a midfielder, reprised his role as a makeshift forward, just as he did last season when deputizing for Kai Havertz, and delivered a clinical performance that showcased his versatility and attacking instincts.
Arsenal took the lead in the 32nd minute when VAR awarded a penalty for handball against Lukas Provod, following a flick-on by Gabriel. Captain Bukayo Saka calmly converted from the spot, drilling the ball into the bottom corner.
Slavia Prague posed early threats, with Provod narrowly missing a chance to equalize, but Arsenal took control after the break.
Merino volleyed home Leandro Trossard’s cross seconds into the second half, then added his second in the 68th minute with a well-timed header from a Declan Rice delivery, capitalizing on a misjudgment by goalkeeper Jakub Markovic.
The match also saw a historic moment as 15-year-old Max Dowman became the youngest player ever to feature in a Champions League game, replacing Trossard late in the second half.
At 15 years and 308 days, Dowman broke the previous record held by Borussia Dortmund’s Youssoufa Moukoko, who debuted at 16 years and 18 days in 2020.
Slavia Prague were denied a late penalty after Provod went down under a challenge from Ben White, but VAR overturned the decision following a pitchside review.
With four wins from four in the Champions League and a 13-match unbeaten run in all competitions, Arsenal remain firmly in control at the top of the Premier League and continue to build momentum in Europe.
