Arsenal Equal 122-Year Record with Dominant 3-0 Victory Over Slavia Prague. Image- BBC/ Getty Images.
(The Post News)- Arsenal extended their incredible defensive run and moved up to the top of their UEFA Champions League group on Tuesday night with a 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague.
In addition to becoming Arsenal’s eleventh straight victory in all competitions, the victory tied an incredible 122-year-old club record, eight successive games without giving up a goal.
At the Fortuna Arena, manager Mikel Arteta’s team performed with composure, structure, and total control despite facing many injury setbacks. They are still among Europe’s best teams this season because of their attacking prowess and defensive tenacity.
In the 32nd minute, Bukayo Saka set the tone by confidently converting a penalty after VAR verified that Slavia Prague captain Lukas Provod had committed a handball. After Slavia’s aggressive, high-pressing start, the England winger’s goal into the bottom corner provided Arsenal with the necessary calm.
The second half got off to an exciting start. Mikel Merino, filling in for the injured Viktor Gyökeres, doubled Arsenal’s lead just 36 seconds after the restart by volleying in a superbly weighted cross from Leandro Trossard. In the 68th minute, Merino headed Declan Rice’s lofted pass past a defenseless Jakub Markovic to make it 3-0 and seal the victory.
As the Gunners’ defensive line maintained its poise and accuracy throughout the game, goalkeeper David Raya had one of his quietest evenings in an Arsenal uniform. The one significant concern occurred late in the game when Slavia was momentarily given a penalty, but when Ben White’s challenge was reviewed, VAR reversed the ruling.
Arteta highlighted his teammates’ defensive commitment and commended them for their discipline and consistency. He remarked, “We handled the game very well emotionally.” It demonstrates our increased consistency. Against a challenging opponent, we controlled the defensive end of the game. Every player improved after we made four adjustments over the weekend. That evening was quite productive.
With just two points and no wins in the group stage, Slavia Prague’s evening ended in despair. The early goal altered the match’s tempo, according to captain Lukas Provod. “After the opening point, the game became considerably simpler for Arsenal, although we began strong and played effectively,” he told UEFA.com.
Arsenal continues to appear unbeatable under Arteta, having won four of their last four Champions League games and keeping a record-tying eighth straight clean sheet. They are one of Europe’s most complete teams this season thanks to their combination of youthful enthusiasm, tactical discipline, and brutal finishing; they are recreating club history while pursuing continental glory.
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