Arsenal march on: a clinical 3-0 win in Prague as Saka leads the way
4 November 2025
Match overview
Arsenal delivered a convincing, deserved victory by beating Slavia Prague 3-0 away on Tuesday night, in the fourth group-stage match of the UEFA Champions League.
Bukayo Saka converted a penalty in the 32nd minute, and Mikel Merino struck twice after halftime, in the 46th and 68th minutes, to seal the win.
The win moved Arsenal to 12 points at the top of the group, while Slavia Prague remained on two points in a distant third.
Key moments and turning points
The game opened at a rapid tempo, with Slavia showing attacking intent early before Arsenal took control and dictated the rhythm.
Raya, the Arsenal goalkeeper, produced a sharp early save to deny a dangerous moment and keep the score level.
Arsenal gradually imposed themselves through Saka, Nørgård and Rice in midfield as Slavia relied on long balls and wide deliveries.
In the 32nd minute, a handball by Provod inside the area earned Arsenal a penalty, which Saka converted to put the visitors in front. Markovic guessed correctly but couldn't reach the spot.
Arsenal pressed again after the break and doubled the lead in the 46th minute when Merino headed in at close range from a cross by Saka.
Merino added a third in the 68th minute, glancing in a header from a long ball by Rice to cap the scoring for the night.
The hosts pressed for a reply late on, but VAR overturned an 84th-minute penalty to Slavia after a Ben White challenge; the decision was confirmed on review.
In the 72nd minute, Arteta made several changes, notably bringing on 15-year-old Max Dowman, who became the youngest ever Arsenal player to feature in the Champions League, at 15 years and 309 days. Ben White and Lewis Skelly also came on later to rest key players for upcoming fixtures.
The match finished 3-0, and Arsenal extended their position at the top of the group as Slavia slipped further behind.
Humor break: If Arsenal's finishing was a weapon, the scoreboard would need a bigger target. Sniper joke 1: Arsenal's finishing was so precise that even the net applauded.
Sniper joke 2: If goals were targets, Arsenal hit three and Prague didn't stand a chance—bullseye, every time.
