Arsenal continued their impressive run of form in the Champions League with a 3 to 0 victory over Slavia Prague, showcasing their quality and discipline throughout the match. Even before kick off, many observers believed the Gunners were strong favourites, yet football always requires respect for the opposition and Arsenal demonstrated that professionally. Their approach was focused, controlled and full of intent as they sought to maintain their winning momentum this season.
From the opening minutes, Arsenal imposed themselves with confidence. They pushed Slavia Prague back and dictated possession with purposeful attacking play. As leaders in the Premier League, they carry the expectations of English football onto the European stage and they needed very little time to show why they are regarded so highly.
A Composed First Half from Arsenal
The breakthrough came within the first half hour when Bukayo Saka converted from the penalty spot. It was a deserved reward for Arsenal’s territorial dominance and intelligent movement across the pitch. Their structure in possession and decision making in the final third made it difficult for Slavia Prague to gain any control of the game.
While the Gunners could have added more goals in the first half, they remained patient and maintained complete control. Slavia Prague attempted to create moments of danger when they managed to retain the ball, but Arsenal’s defensive shape and organisation ensured there were no significant openings to exploit.
Merino Steps Up in Attack
Immediately after the restart, Mikel Merino extended Arsenal’s lead with a composed finish. Taking on the responsibility in attack while Viktor Gyokeres is unavailable, he continued to lead the line impressively and later added his second goal of the match. His contribution ensured Arsenal remained comfortable, secure and in full control as the minutes passed.
The visitors were so dominant that the match also allowed for a historic moment, with Max Dowman introduced from the bench to make his Champions League debut. It became another night where Arsenal showed both strength and squad depth on a major stage.
Towards the end of the match, Slavia Prague nearly received a penalty that could have denied Arsenal a clean sheet. However, a VAR review overturned the decision, allowing the Gunners to celebrate their eighth consecutive match without conceding. It was a complete and convincing performance as their European campaign continues to build momentum.
A good win and keeping the run going. I though Mosquera might play, with all the changes but obviously not. A good use of the squad and a good 3 points. Merino proving a versatile player, who is valuable to the squad. Took both goals brilliantly, even if he was helped out by the local pub goalie🤣
Arsenal aren’t playing quickly enough. Almost gave away a penalty and almost allowed a shot on target. Arteta out!
The “Davids” on this site usually fade away by Jan/Feb…let’s hope they are still yapping as it will mean they are right for the first time in 6 years!
Don’t worry some of us will be there to call out the idiots who wanted to derail the development and progress of a potentially great team.
Those that lack foresight and have been quick to rush to judgement should really be more circumspect. However, it seems that unnecessary arrogance prevails.
This David has rarely been wrong. If you doubt this, I challenge you to give any examples.
Saying that Mikel Arteta has not made any bad signings.
That’s if your the “David” who listed all of Arsene Wenger’s duff signings, but declared Mikel Arteta was 100% on the money with every one of his signings.
Let’s start there shall we?
When did I say any of those things? I have never written anything like what you have suggested. I also do not make declarations of the sort that you have stated. You ought to be more aware that I do not engage in extremes or absolutes.
Unfortunately, this a concern I have about your fairness in discussions. This is not the first time you have misrepresented my comments. Please provide a quote where I said any of those things or withdraw the attribution.
David, I can’t point to the actual article, but you most definitely made a list of, what you said were Wenger’s signings that were duff.
I then listed Mikel’s signings from when he joined the club and I believe Dan kit agreed with me.
You didn’t reply!!
Dan kit, do you remember this exchange?
I most definitely will NOT withdraw my point, as I know this happened.
As far as I know, I have never misrepresented your comments – perhaps YOU can give me examples of when I have done this?!
Cannot remember mate TBH ,but sounds like something this 1diot would say .
I have made various lists of players that have been signed by different managers but I have never made those claims that you have insinuated. I have never listed all of Wenger’s so called “duff signings”. This is actually not the kind of language I use.
It is disappointing that you are insisting that I have said certain things that I haven’t; if not actually irresponsible and dishonest. You have made similar claims about comments I have made in the past simply because I disagreed with your views on Arteta at the time.
But you can’t give me examples of when I’ve made claims, but call me dishonest because I can’t pinpoint the actual article!!
I can absolutely assure you that you criticised some of Wenger’s signings and I gave you some of Arteta’s signings that I criticised – simple as that.
So now you are trying to gaslight and have a completely different argument. I have not asked you to pinpoint any article. I have simply asked you to be honest about comments that I have made. If you not are willing to do this then there is no point in having any discussion.
Your last comment is meaningless. Every manager will sign players that will not work out or can be criticised. I have never claimed otherwise.
5.58 “Please provide a quote where I have said any those things or withdraw or withdraw the attribution.”
As the only time I try to converse with you, David, is via articles that appear on JA, it is patently obvious that your asking me to quote a individual article.
When you listed the players who Arsene Wenger signed, who didn’t work out, you failed to mention the players that Mikel Arteta had signed who didn’t work out – I supplied you with that list for comparison, but, unfortunately, you didn’t respond.
Make no mistake David, this happened and I can’t help it if your memory is not as good as mine.
Likewise, I cannot see the point in answering your original question at 11.28am when you say “This David has rarely been wrong If you doubt this, I challenge you to give examples.”
I have and you deny it, so what’s the point?
You have misquoted and misrepresented any comments that I have made. Go back to your original comments on this thread. I have never claimed or implied what you have stated. Yet you seem to insist on this.
You are now introducing a completely different discussion.
Your attempts to conflate and confuse just demonstrate a lack of integrity.
David,
Just to put my two pennies worth in,
Read the last line of you’re post at 11.28am. It says exactly what Ken1945 says.
Where has he misquoted you. 🤷♂️
Bile again David, you are SAD!!!!
This David !
😂
Cringe per usual
If Merino were pacier and had more stamina, he would’ve become the ultimate false-nine. Two great goals from Merino and very good assists from Trossard/ Rice
I think only more organized and more technical European teams can defeat Arsenal in the UCL knockout rounds, as PSG did last season. And probably the ones who use ultra-defensive tactics perfectly
Arteta, the coaches and the boys deserve at least EPL trophy this season
Egg in my fact regarding Merino. Not much of a midfielder but what a valuable goal scoring asset.
Joe, a bit harsh on Mikel Merino; “not much of a midfielder”, when you don’t get selected to play in the midfield for Spain if you are a “mug”.
Harsh, but tell me what he’s done for Arsenal in midfield that would justify him being selected ahead of Odegaard, Rice Zubamendi, Nwaneri, Eze, Hartvetz or even someone like Smith-Rowe?
Joe, I never stated that he should be selected ahead of any of the players you mentioned; however when he has not let Arsenal or Arteta down and has played for and scored goals for the Spanish national team. He may suit the Spanish system better and is obviously no mug and an asset to Arsenal’s squad.
Merino’s a very good value player, in both midfield and attack.
A reminder, he started ahead of Rice against Leeds and we won the game 5-0.
3-0, but yeah, I think he’s a good midfielder. He just hasn’t played there much.
I’d like to see more of the Sociedad midfield (Odegaard, Merino, Zubimendi) when the captain’s back
Good win, still need to go a game at a time. And the clean sheets keep coming. Thought kepar could start today and mosquera as well!
Excellent away result in Europe against a big physical Slavia Prague team which has not lost at home this season. The strength and depth of the Arsenal squad has been demonstrated again given the attacking quality in particular, who were unavailable and the rotation and substitutions Mikel Arteta was able to make prior to and during the game. Credit must also be given to Arteta and the coaching staff, as the style and tempo of Arsenal’s play was unchanged, given the changes. Norgaard provided excellent cover at #6, in front of the reliable defence, allowing Rice to go forward.
A special kudos to Mikel Merino, who every time he is called upon, produces for the team with important goals, by great postioning and smart running. He appears to be an excellent team man and was very good in his post match interview, given English is not his first language (leaves a lot of native speakers to shame!)
I want to see Mikel Merino better incorporated in the starting line-up. I think he can flourish as CAM seeing that he is always popping up to score. Merino simply must play more because he keeps proving he can score goals! Rice-Zubimendi-Merino. I know Rice-Partey-Merino midfield has previously failed but honestly we only ever got to see them play together in tough away games every once in a while. Rice-Zubimendi-Merino patnership needs a good 5-10 game run together to make it work. We can’t continue to leave Merino on the bench knowing what a goal threat he is. Or maybe Rice should be rested more, he plays too much.
I agree with the Rice playing too much part
Problem is we rely too much on Rice with his set pieces. His accuracy is just as, if not more important than chaos Gabriel causes on the receiving end. Take him out and our set pieces lose a lot of it’s threat, especially with Odegaard injured (he’s not as good as Rice with the set pieces, but probably the closest we have to him accuracy wise in the team).
Sunderland away is not easy, we need pace to match
their pace and strength..
Merino is slow in midfield. That’s a disadvantage especially in the fast paced premier league.
He is only good in the 18 yard box for one touch goals with his head and feet.
That’s his only good quality.
Odegaard, Rice and Zubimendi still remains our most balanced and best midfield combination.
Or
Odegaard, Eze and Rice. This is when we are playing teams very much below us.
Merino will continue on the bench when and if everyone is fit then he can come in second half to finish off games.
A good win last night 12 points from 12. Another clean sheet, and 2 open play goals😂.
While I wouldn’t like to see Merino up front on a long term basis, to give him his dews he certainly has an eye for goal. A useful short term fix when needed.
On the clean sheet front, I hear a rumour that Arsenal are considering selling one of their goals, as they only need the one their attacking. All they’ll have to do is swap the goal around at half time. 😂
And just a word of caution, I noticed in last nights game the standard dropped slightly in defense. The opposition actually had 1 shot on target, sloppy!. Come on boys. 😂👍
Imagine! How can we concede a shot on target?😄
How is did Arsenal buy a Defender Who is a Striker like Calafiori and a Midfielder who is a Striker like Merino Next we will buy a Striker who is a Defender
It’s an interesting point you make but I think clearly exemplifies the strategy that players must have more than one string to their bow to play for Arsenal
Without this especially without injury record we would be lost !
I really do think our centre forwards need to learn one or two from Merino. The guy makes scoring so easy. His positioning is out of this world. He reminds me of prime Berbatov
I think our center forwards needs to learn one or two from Merino, the guy makes scoring goals so easy. His positioning is top notch. He reminds me of prime Berbatov.
Mena93,
Steady on, Merino doe’s a good job when needed. But to compare him to a prime Berbatov is wide of the mark in my opinion.
But that’s all it is of course, my opinion. 👍