Arsenal prolonged their successful streak to 10 video games in all competitions with two targets from makeshift centre-forward Mikel Merino and a Bukayo Saka strike seeing off Slavia Prague and sustaining their 100 per cent file within the Champions League.
The Gunners had been hustled out of their stride early on by Slavia however as soon as Saka put them forward from the penalty spot after 32 minutes it was largely one-way site visitors.
Any hopes Slavia had of staging a second-half comeback had been successfully ended inside 30 seconds of the restart when Merino, beginning up entrance instead of the injured Viktor Gyokeres, volleyed residence.
And the Spain worldwide made it 3-0 after 69 minutes to finish one other satisfying night time for Arsenal, who had been afforded the luxurious of with the ability to carry on Max Dowman with 17 minutes to go. At 15 years and 308 days, Dowman grew to become the youngest participant to ever seem within the Champions League.
Saka makes the breakthrough
Gabriel has been instrumental in a number of Arsenal targets not too long ago, largely because of his aerial prowess from set-pieces, however the Brazilian virtually silenced the boisterous residence crowd after two minutes with an outstanding volley from the sting of the realm that flashed previous Jakub Markovic’s left-hand submit.
Slavia responded with Lukas Provod bursting ahead and taking pictures narrowly huge. And the hosts’ excessive press continued to unsettle the Gunners, Youssoupha Mbodji the following to attempt his luck from lengthy distance.
Arsenal had been struggling to get a lot entering into assault however in Saka they’ve a helpful outlet and the England winger compelled Markovic right into a save after 21 minutes with a curling left-footed effort.
Markovic saved from Saka once more 5 minutes later, tipping his shot huge and prompting a flurry of corners that ultimately led to the opening purpose.
Saka’s supply was directed by Gabriel in direction of purpose however it hit Provod and, following the intervention of the VAR, a penalty was awarded for handball. Saka made no mistake, burying his shot powerfully into the underside right-hand nook.
Arsenal had lastly regained the depth that has led to them topping the Premier League and Leandro Trossard and Saka each had efforts smuggled clear by the instantly overworked Slavia defence.
Merino on the double
The house followers had barely had time to retake their seats following the restart when Arsenal killed the sport. The Slavia defence failed to select up Trossard and his cross was inch-perfect for Merino to complete with aplomb.
Saka must have made it 3-0 after 61 minutes however, having run on to Declan Rice’s go, shot weakly at Markovic along with his proper foot.
Arsenal had been virtually made to pay with solely a last-ditch deal with from Gabriel denying substitute Mojmir Chytil a easy end.
Merino added his second of the night time after combining with Rice. The previous West Ham midfielder looped a ball into the realm which appeared destined to drop into the arms of Markovic however Merino nipped in entrance of the goalkeeper to divert the ball residence.
Slavia thought they’d a penalty late on when Ben White tangled with Provod inside the realm however, having initially awarded the spot-kick, referee Aliyar Aghayev overturned his determination after viewing the incident once more on the pitchside monitor.
Arsenal’s clear sheet remained in tact they usually have now gone eight video games with out conceding a purpose.