Arsenal registered a commanding 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague on Tuesday, maintaining their perfect start to the UEFA Champions League campaign.
The London club also equalled a 122-year-old club record by keeping a clean sheet for the eighth consecutive game in all competitions.
Mikel Merino stepped into a surprise attacking role in place of the injured Viktor Gyökeres and scored twice. Bukayo Saka gave Arsenal the lead in the 32nd minute.
Midfielder Merino’s second goal came just 36 seconds after the break as Arsenal intensified pressure. Their third came in the 68th minute when Merino headed in a lofted cross from Declan Rice.
Notably, 15-year-old Max Dowman made his Champions League debut for Arsenal, becoming the youngest-ever player in the tournament at 15 years and 308 days.
“Emotionally, I think we handled it very well. It shows the consistency we have,” manager Mikel Arteta said. “Tonight we made four changes from the weekend and they all performed really well.”
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