Arsenal extend Champions League winning run to four with a 3–0 win over Slavia Prague, as 15-year-old Max Dowman makes UCL history
Arsenal extend Champions League winning run to four matches with a dominant 3–0 victory over Slavia Prague in the Czech capital, equalling a club record of eight consecutive clean sheets in all competitions.
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The Gunners’ impressive display was powered by a second-half brace from Mikel Merino and a Bukayo Saka penalty, while 15-year-old Max Dowman made history as the youngest-ever player in UEFA Champions League history, at 15 years and 308 days.
Arsenal started cautiously as Slavia Prague pressed early but failed to trouble goalkeeper David Raya.
The visitors soon settled, with Saka forcing a pair of strong saves from Jakub Markovic before winning a penalty for handball.
The winger stepped up confidently, firing low into the bottom corner to give Arsenal the lead — his fourth consecutive Champions League match with a goal, taking his tally to 12 goals in just 20 UCL starts.
After the break, Merino, filling in for the injured Viktor Gyökeres, volleyed home Leandro Trossard’s cross to double the lead.
The Spaniard struck again midway through the half, heading in after Markovic mishandled Declan Rice’s delivery, notching his 18th goal of the year for club and country.
With the result secure, Mikel Arteta handed late opportunities to several academy players, including Max Dowman, whose debut set a historic record.
Arsenal confirmed, “Dowman became the youngest player in Champions League history, at 15 years and 308 days.”
A late penalty appeal from Slavia Prague was overturned by VAR, preserving Arsenal’s perfect defensive record. The clean sheet stretched their run to eight in a row, matching a club record that had stood since 1903.
The win cements Arsenal’s position at the top of their Champions League group and continues their scintillating form across Europe.
The North London side next travel to Sunderland on Saturday for Premier League action before hosting Bayern Munich after the November international break.
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With their **historic defensive record** and perfect European start, Arsenal’s blend of youth, experience, and composure is setting a powerful tone for a season brimming with promise.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
