Arsenal secure 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague – Player Ratings | OneFootball

Arsenal Assert European Authority In Prague

Slavia Prague pride themselves on intensity, aggression and a stadium that usually rattles even established European visitors. Yet on a sharp Champions League night, Arsenal walked in, absorbed the early turbulence and departed with a 3-0 victory that felt like a statement of maturity rather than mere momentum.

This was not a vintage exhibition from start to finish, yet it did underline why Arsenal are developing the look of a side that believes it belongs deep in this competition. Rotation did not loosen their grip on control and the blend of youthful verve and senior assurance once again held firm.

Early Resistance Then Ruthless Execution

Arsenal started slowly, allowing Slavia Prague’s press to bite. Gabriel Magalhaes and Lukas Provod traded early sights of goal, and the hosts harried with purpose. Jakub Markovic’s sharp stop from Bukayo Saka served as the turning point, a reminder that quality does not always announce itself quietly.

Corners piled up, pressure mounted and then came the pivotal VAR intervention. Replays confirmed the ball struck Provod’s arm, bringing a penalty. Saka delivered with cold precision. Markovic guessed right, but the ball still nestled into the corner. That moment punctured Prague’s resistance and framed the rhythm of the contest.

Merino Seizes Centre Stage

Half-time usually resets contests. Here, it intensified Arsenal’s supremacy. Seconds after the restart, Leandro Trossard’s curling delivery found Mikel Merino ghosting between defenders. One swing of the boot and it was 2-0. Intelligent movement, assured touch and the conviction of a player thriving in this system.

There was more. Declan Rice, all running, awareness and technical clarity, clipped a wicked ball into the area. Markovic hesitated. Merino did not. A brace, a striker’s instinct and a clear message to those who wondered whether he could shape-shift into a leading man in Viktor Gyokeres’ absence again.

Slavia Prague battled, yet never threatened to drag the game into jeopardy. Arsenal were compact, assertive and economical. A three point cushion at the top of the group reflects not swagger but structure.

Arsenal Player Ratings

David Raya, 6Jurrien Timber, 6William Saliba, 6Gabriel Magalhaes, 7Piero Hincapie, 6Ethan Nwaneri, 6Christian Norgaard, 6Declan Rice, 7Bukayo Saka, 7Mikel Merino, 8Leandro Trossard, 7Subs: Eberechi Eze, 6Ben White, N/AMyles Lewis-Skelly, N/AMax Dowman, N/AAndre Harriman-Annous, N/A

Manager: Mikel Arteta, 7