Magic Man Merino in Prague

Arsenal have currently had no problem in the Champions League. It's three wins from three without a goal conceded, leaving us in the top four heading into this tie. Slavia Prague presented an interesting challenge, but one which Mikel Arteta would've felt comfortable overcoming. The Czechoslovakian side are a formidable opponent within the comfort of their domestic league surroundings, but the Champions League has been underwhelming so far. Two draws and a loss have left them scrambling around the bottom end of the table. But, the atmosphere that these European sides can create is very intimidating to those that can crumble under pressure.

Slavia Prague began the game using the intensity and energy from the crowd to really nullify Arsenal's threat. They swarmed the English side and let them know that what they lacked in quality, they'd make up for in sheer determination. It was the home side that dominated the early chances, but nothing that troubled David Raya. A few pot shots from all angles was all they could muster. The Gunners struggled to get a foot on the ball in the opening 20 minutes, but managed to weather the early storm. After that 20 minute mark past, the North London side found some rhythm. Bukayo Saka took control of proceedings and began to pepper the Slavian goal with a number of shots on target. Leandro Trossard also had a couple of attempts. However, the deadlock was eventually broken in the 32nd minute when a penalty was awarded to Arsenal. A corner was swung in and during the chaos, a Slavia Prague defender handled the ball. However, it wasn't intially given as a penalty and was simply awarded as another corner. VAR spotted the infringement and recommended the referee to go to the monitor to determine whether the defenders arm was in an unnatural position. It was deemed to be and the penalty was given which Saka rifled home. Despite a couple more half chances, that was it for the first half.

The 2nd half was quickly upon us and no sooner had the game restarted, Slavia Prague were picking the ball up out of the net again. A quick ball found its way out to Trossard who spotted Mikel Merino drifting into the box. The Belgian sent his cross in and it was met by the foot of Merino who guided it beyond the Slavian keeper. 2-0 and Arsenal were in cruise control. The 2nd half was all about that control and Arsenal exerted all of it which resulted in Slavia Prague not even getting a bite at goal. Merino then added to the comfort. Declan Rice sent a clipped pass into the box that Merino instinctively leapt for, he probably assumed the keeper would beat him to the ball and it would result in nothing. However, the Slavia Prague keeper couldn't wrap his gloves around the ball and it bounced off Merino's head and into the goal. With that third goal going in, Mikel Arteta decided to give some players a well earned rest. Within that decision we witnessed history. Max Dowman became the youngest Champions League player ever at 15 years and 308 days old. An incredible achievement and it just proves how highly rated he is at Arsenal. The Gunners were also on the path to equalling a club record that has stood since 1903 and that was to keep eight clean sheets in a row. But, Slavia Prague almost ruined that achievement as they were awarded a penalty just after the 80th minute mark. However, VAR worked in Arsenal's favour again as the penalty was eventually chalked off. The referee felt as though Ben White challenged for the ball fairly and didn't raise his boot high enough to cause danger. Arsenal were safe and were able to see out the rest of the game.

It wasn't vintage Arsenal, but it got the job done. The statistics prove that it was never really in doubt. Arteta's men had 14 shots in total with 8 finding the target, this generated an xG of 1.81. Within that was 3 big chances created. For Slavia Prague they managed 9 shots, but only one on target. This created an xG of 0.47. They had no big chances.

Player Ratings:

Raya - 6 - It's actually getting boring saying this, but he had nothing to do again. Even the shot on target was a deflection that bounced harmlessly into his arms. However, he did make a mess of a clearance that thankfully resulted in nothing.

Timber - 7 - A quiet game from our right back. He still had moments of magic, but ultimately kept a low profile as Arsenal struggled to maintain possession high up the pitch.

Saliba - 7 - He was his usual self, but seemed to slot into Zubimendi's role when Arsenal were in possession. This left Gabriel and Hincapie as the back two while Saliba linked play together in midfield. Something we haven't seen before.

Gabriel - 7 - His objective at the start of the game was clear, don't let Tomas Chory bully his way through the defence. Chory stands at 6"6 and isn't on the lean side, so Gabriel had to use all of his strength to fend him off. He did it with relative success, but you could see that Chory was on the cusp of getting one over on Gabriel.

Hincapie - 8 - I really like what I'm seeing from Hincapie and it's quite unique that we have three options at left back and all of them offer something different. Hincapie is all about his duels and being as defensively secure as possible. He will get forward when the moment is right, but he seems more comfortable to partner Gabriel as one of the furthest two back.

Norgaard - 7 - I didn't mind what I saw from Norgaard, but the opening 20 minutes to half hour was an advertisement for why Martin Zubimendi is so important to us. Norgaard doesn't quite have that ability to control a game, but he's a willing runner and will work hard.

Rice - 8 - The one thing with Rice is that you can never criticise how hard he works for the team. Once again he was the engine that never stopped, but will still provide moments of quality to remind us fans there's more to him than just a runner. Grabbed an assist for Merino's goal as well.

Merino - 9 (MOTM) - Up until his goals, I wasn't overly enamoured with his performance. It felt like he was losing duels, unable to hold play up and failing to provide an outlet. However, those two goals are exactly why he's played up top. Two strikers' finishes. I also have to applaud his work rate, he's a tireless athlete and tries his hardest to provide that outlet.

Nwaneri - 6 - It's a little rough for Nwaneri at the minute. He scored against Brighton, but his overall performance was lacking. Against Slavia Prague his performance was lacking, but didn't score. I almost get the feeling that he's over thinking what he's going to do next before he's even finished off his current move. He knows what he wants to do, but is just struggling to pull things off. He'll come good, we've seen it already this season.

Saka - 7 - He tucked away his penalty really well and was a constant threat, but I do think Youssoupha Mbodji got the better of him a few times. Saka is one of the strongest players on the team, but was regularly outmuscled. Not one of his best games, but still dangerous.

Trossard - 7 - It does feel like with Trossard he's so close to being brilliant, but will just hold onto the ball for a second too long. He has the beating of a player, but checks back because he's uncertain whether his pace will create some distance. Having said that, when he does have that self-confidence then he's very dangerous. His whipped cross to Merino, for his first goal, is evidence of that.

Substitutes:

Eze - 6 - I can't really remember a memorable moment from Eze after he came on, but he did what he had to do and aided Arsenal to a 3-0 finish.

Lewis-Skelly - 6 - Much like Eze, the game was already won when he came on. We'd clearly taken our foot off the gas, but he still helped keep a clean sheet which was the most important aspect.

White - 6 - It was heart in mouth, for our right back, as he thought he conceded a penalty which could have put our clean sheet record in jeopardy. Thankfully the decision was overturned and White could help see out a clean sheet.

Dowman - 7 - Our record breaker. 15 years and 308 days old, what an incredible achievement. I liked his cameo though, it was mature and exactly what Arsenal needed to stretch the game and keep Slavia Prague on their toes. You either foul him or he gets around you, take your pick which you prefer. He was often fouled, but did have moments where he got away from his marker.

Andre Annous - 7 - Despite not being on for long, it's important that we don't forget that it was his Champions League debut as well and he's only 17 himself. Once again, a mature performance and one which will give Mikel Arteta a smile.

That was it for this fixture. A very mature performance in a game that could've intimidated the team, couple that with the injury hit squad. They all battled hard and have maintained a perfect record. 4 wins from 4, 2nd only to Bayern Munich, a team we just so happen to be playing next in the Champions League. Next up for us though is a trip to Sunderland this Saturday. Here's how I think we'll line up.

Viktor Gyokeres will miss this tie so we'll likely see Merino up top again and why not, he's scored 9 goals for club and country this season. Sunderland are playing very well at the moment so it'll be a tricky occasion, but we have the players to get through it. Even if we are still missing a raft of personnel. A win here cannot be understated especially as Liverpool face Manchester City this weekend. If we beat Sunderland and Man City lose then we'll be 9 points clear of them, if Liverpool lose then we'll be 10 ahead of them. If they draw then we'll be 8 points ahead of City and 9 ahead of Liverpool. That's a brilliant spot to be in going into the international break.