Arsenal equalled a club record of eight consecutive clean sheets across all competitions with a comprehensive 3–0 victory over Slavia Prague in the UEFA Champions League, extending their perfect start to this season’s campaign.

Slavia boss Jindřich Trpišovský had promised an intense, high-tempo performance from his side, and the passionate Fortuna Arena crowd certainly played their part early on. Yet Arsenal, calm and composed amid the noise, quickly settled into their rhythm.

Within two minutes, centre-back Gabriel Magalhães — more commonly a threat in the air — nearly stunned the hosts with a fierce left-footed volley from the edge of the box that flew narrowly wide.

While Slavia showed occasional flashes of attacking intent, the Gunners created the clearer chances. Bukayo Saka twice tested goalkeeper Jakub Markovic midway through the first half, his sharp footwork and precision striking forcing smart saves.

The breakthrough arrived on the half-hour mark. Gabriel’s near-post header struck the arm of Lukas Provod, and though referee Aliyar Aghayev initially missed the handball, a VAR review prompted him to award a penalty. Saka confidently buried the spot-kick into the bottom corner to give Arsenal the lead.

Just 36 seconds after the restart, Arsenal doubled their advantage with a brilliantly worked goal. Leandro Trossard delivered a pinpoint cross that Mikel Merino met first-time from close range, thundering the ball past Markovic to make it 2–0.

With Arsenal’s defensive solidity, the result already seemed beyond doubt. Mikel Arteta, however, had limited options on the bench due to injuries, leaving little room for rotation ahead of the weekend’s clash with Sunderland.

Summer signing Eberechi Eze was introduced late on, but it was Merino again who added the finishing touch. Declan Rice’s curling delivery looked destined for the keeper until Merino nipped in to glance home his second goal of the night and Arsenal’s third.

A brief scare came when Slavia were awarded a late penalty after Ben White tangled with Provod in the box. Following another trip to the pitchside monitor, Aghayev overturned his decision — much to Arsenal’s relief.

There was still time for a bit of history, as 15-year-old Max Dowman came off the bench to become the youngest player ever to appear in the Champions League.

For Arsenal, it was a near-perfect evening: another clean sheet, another win, and a spot at the top of the league phase table — at least temporarily. Slavia, meanwhile, remain winless and now face the prospect of an early exit from the competition.