Arsenal’s unstoppable streak continues as they secure their 10th consecutive victory, this time dismantling Slavia Prague with a Mikel Merino brace. But here’s where it gets controversial: their defensive dominance has shattered records, including one that stood for over 55 years—a feat last achieved by Leeds in the 1969/70 European Cup. And this is the part most people miss: Arsenal’s eight successive clean sheets across all competitions haven’t been seen since 1903, when they were in the Second Division. Mind-blowing, right?
Slavia Prague fought valiantly, even thinking they’d earned a late penalty, only for VAR to dash their hopes. The Czech champions managed a single shot on target in stoppage time, but it was too little, too late. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka opened the scoring from the spot, and Merino’s clinical second-half double sealed the deal. Adding to the drama, 15-year-old Max Dowman made history as the youngest player in Champions League history, surpassing Youssoufa Moukoko’s record. Talk about a week to remember!
What’s truly remarkable is how Arsenal have maintained this winning run despite a mounting injury list. Viktor Gyökeres is the latest casualty, with hamstring concerns, but there’s hope he’ll return alongside Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Ødegaard for the North London derby. In the meantime, Merino stepped up seamlessly, proving his goal-scoring prowess, while Christian Nørgaard, Piero Hincapié, and Ethan Nwaneri shone in rare starts.
Slavia’s manager, Jindrich Trpisovsky, had praised Arsenal as one of the toughest opponents they’ve ever faced, even hailing Declan Rice as the world’s best free-kick taker. Yet, his side struggled to break through Arsenal’s fortress, despite an energetic start fueled by Tomas Chory’s physical presence. Arsenal weathered the storm, with Gabriel Magalhães shrugging off a facial injury, and Saka’s penalty—awarded after VAR spotted a handball—put them ahead. Slavia’s penalty appeals were denied, and any hopes of a comeback were crushed within 40 seconds of the second half, as Merino’s volley showcased Arsenal’s ruthless efficiency.
Here’s the bold question: Is this Arsenal side the most complete team in Europe right now? Their ability to win without key players, coupled with record-breaking defensive solidity, makes a strong case. But what do you think? Are they unstoppable, or is there a weakness waiting to be exposed? Let’s debate in the comments!
