Arsenal just keep finding a way at the moment and although it they endured a rough start to the game, they found a way again tonight. The winning run continues and the clean sheets keep coming as well however, Arsenal did allow Slavia Prague to have a shot on target deep into stoppage time which was absolutely unacceptable! David Raya must be absolutely furious with his complete lack of cover and there will surely be consequences for these disturbing turn of events! Apparently Arsenal equalled a club record from 1903 on the night as they notched their 8th consecutive clean sheet and to add on just a bit more icing to the already beautiful cake, Max Dowman came on to become the youngest player to ever play in the Champions League.
As for the game itself, the Czech side came out of the blocks early and were very aggressive and direct in their play, without carving out too many openings. As the half wore on, Arsenal began to asset themselves on proceedings and had a few snap shots from Bukayo Saka that were comfortably saved however, one of these shots forced a corner which lead to a rather generous handball decision, via a VAR intervention. It seem to get the players head before his hand, which to me is no penalty. In Europe things are different, that said, this one looked really harsh, but then again we had a harsh one given against us in the San Siro last year so what goes around comes around, I suppose. It should be noted at this point that the Saka chance and subsequent corner had come in a spell of around 10 minutes were Arsenal seemed to be forcing corner after corner so although the penalty was generous, the pressure was mounting and a goal did seem to be on the cards, without the intervention of our good friend VAR.
Bukayo Saka certainly wasn’t arguing and dispatched the penalty brilliantly into the bottom right corner. The keeper went the right way and got nowhere near it, which in my book, is the mark of a good penalty and how they should all be taken. (that’s my old man, ‘back in my day’ bit done for now!)
Arsenal continued to push Slavia Prague further and further back yet the goalscoring for the first half was done and we went in at half time one goal to the good.
Fortunately we didn’t have to wait look for the lead to be doubled as Mikel Merino wondered in between two Slavia Prague centre backs to volley home another pinpoint cross from Leandro Trossard. The defender was generous, yet take nothing away from Merino as he finished like a true striker and made it look ridiculously easy.
If the defending for his first goal was poor, the keeping for Merino’s second was absolutely terrible as the keeper came to claim a long Declan Rice ping into the box and just never got there. I think he’s still on his way to meet it right now! Some might say Merino meant the finish, but I think that just skims off his head and into the net. Good positioning though and at the end of the day, they all count as one!
The drama wasn’t finished there as substitute Ben White was adjudged to have given away a penalty, only for VAR to intervene once again and disallow the spot kick with the only handball being the one by the attacker and White doing absolutely nothing wrong.
There was also time for Max Dowman to get 20-25 minutes of Champions League football, the first ever Champions League minutes for a 15 year old and Andre Harriman-Annous to get a late run out as well, as Arteta shuffled his pack late on to give rests to players like Timber and Rice.
So all in all, a great night’s work for Arsenal as they topped the Champions League (for a few hours anyway) along with the Premier League and given that they did they without Odegaard, Havertz, Jesus, Gyokeres, Martinelli, Madueke and the suspended Martin Zubminedi makes this an absolutely unbelievable result. One more to go and then some of the calvary should be returning. Sunderland away up next, we go again!
David Raya – 6
Had one dodgy moment, but was largely untroubled and claimed crosses and passed it well. Had to save a shot in stoppage time!
Best moment:
Have to go for that save!! As comfortable as it was, he hasn’t made many lately so we have to go with the save.
Jurrien Timber – 7
Another, what is fast becoming, typical Timber performance. Continues to threaten going forward and absolutely rock solid at the back. So comfortable, so much quality, so happy to have him in our side. Got a bit of a rest as Ben White played the last 20 in his stead.
Best moment:
Nothing of note stands out, some lung busting runs on the overlap were impressive. Involved in the build up to the third goal.
William Saliba – 7
A position change of sorts for the Frenchman, as he noticeably spent a lot of time in midfield positions during the game, once Arsenal had weathered the early storm. Looked comfortable there and was solid as ever when back in his usual position in the back four.
Best moment:
Nothing specific to note.
Gabriel – 7
Defending in his usual Gabriel fashion as he helped marshal the defence to another clean sheet. Was a threat at the other end as well and it was his header that won us the penalty. Made one great tackle/block from a dangerous left wing cross.
Best moment:
Had an unreal shot from outside of the box in the first few minutes that would have been talked about for years, had it not gone a few feet wide.
Piero Hincapie – 7
I was looking forward to seeing the Ecuadorian at full back, based on everything I’d head of his pace and direct play, but in all honesty he didn’t offer a great deal going forward. Understandable given it was only his second start yet still a bit disappointing. Solid enough at the back and I read somewhere that he won 100% of his 8 duels which is the most by an Arsenal player in Europe in the last 10 seasons (after writing this, I decided to upgrade his mark from a 6 to a 7, as that is a pretty impressive stat!).
Best moment:
Has to be the way he stood there, completely unmoved, as the giant Slavia Prague attacker screamed in his face. The guy is absolute nails.
Christian Norgaard – 7
Much improved from his first start against Brighton. Seemed quicker, more decisive, better decision making. Really solid all round performance in Zubimendi’s absence.
Best moment:
Some nice tackles, but nothing really note worthy,
Declan Rice – 8
Another great performance from Rice and he even managed to stay out of the referee’s notebook so he’s free to play against Bayern in match week 5. Set pieces and passes in general, were absolutely on point and created numerous dangerous moments, which helped us keep the pressure on. Great assist for Merino’s second goal and involved in everything good that Arsenal did.
Best moment:
I’ll go for his assist for Merino’s second goal, as it pretty much forced the ball into the net based on the sheer quality of the pass! From a really awkward passing position as well.
Ethan Nwaneri – 6
Was nice to see the boss give him a chance in such an important game yet, I don’t feel like it really grabbed it with two hands. Some nice driving runs and passes, but also careless at times and bullied off it on occasion. Had another duel from one of our corners, similar to the one at the end of the Burnley game, that he lost and nearly lead to a break from Slavia. Needs to start winning those, sooner rather than later. Booked and withdrawn for Eze on 65 minutes.
Best moment:
Nice run and pass to play in Bukayo Saka on 28 minutes, to bring about the corner which lead to the penalty.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Still feels like he’s feeling his way back into form. Not at his best, but still far too good for Slavia Prague. Caused havoc and times and forced the Slavia goalkeeper into a couple of saves in the first half, one of which lead to the corner which we got the penalty from. It was his corner that Gabriel headed against the Slavia captain’s arm and then he dispatched the penalty with ease as well. More to come from Saka.
Best moment:
Nerveless penalty.
Mikel Merino – 8 PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Humble pie post here, as I was calling for Harriman-Annous to start in my preview and was clear in not wanting to see the Spaniard upfront again. My apologies to Mikel Merino as his two goals saw off Slavia Prague and played a massive part in another three points for Arsenal. I’ve still not really changed my opinion as his overall play wasn’t great (again, through no fault of Merino, as he’s clearly no striker), but goals are the currency and he delivered two big ones again for us tonight, the first of which was a lovely volleyed finish from close range. Keep proving me wrong, Mikel. Keep proving me wrong.
Best moment:
His first goal was really nice. Neat finish at the near post that gave the keeper no chance.
Leandro Trossard – 8
Continues his fine form. I don’t remember him being this tenacious in the tackle. Fought for every ball in our half and looked lively and threatening in theirs. A really all round performance from the Belgian which was topped off by a magnificent assist from the left for Merino’s first goal. Went off limping for Dowman, which I hope was only precautionary.
Best moment:
Bettered his assist from the weekend against Burnley with an even better cross for Merino. Such quality on those crosses on his so-called weaker left foot.
Subs:
Eberechi Eze – 6 – Replaced Nwaneri and did okay, without influencing proceeding a great deal.
Max Dowman – 6 – Another game, another record. Was given a 20 minute run out to become the youngest ever Champions League player. No fireworks this time, but more valuable minutes under his belt.
Ben White – 6 – I really like it when we can start doing this with our fullbacks, by rotating in the last 20 minutes to keep the back-up match fit and the first choice fresh. Came on and didn’t let anyone down. Saw a penalty given against him, which was correctly walked back.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6 See Ben White from above, except minus the penalty and with a yellow card to his name. Nice to have so many Hale End players out there at the end.
Andre Harriman-Annous – 6 – Earned this runout with his performance against Brighton. Barely touched the ball, but still good to see him involved. Nice moment seeing him and Dowman celebrating in front of the fans at the end.