Key Takeaways:
- Arsenal secured a 2-1 victory over Slavia Prague, extending their unbeaten UEFA Champions League away run to 10 matches (W7, D3)
- Slavia Prague’s winless streak in the Champions League proper reached a joint-competition record of 23 games (D8, L15)
- Viktor Gyokeres played a key role for the Gunners, assisting the opener and scoring Arsenal’s second goal
Match Analysis
Arsenal survived a tense late spell to claim a hard-earned 2-1 win away to Slavia Prague. The Czech side’s struggles in the UEFA Champions League continued, as this defeat marked their 23rd consecutive match in the main tournament phase without a victory, equalling the joint-longest such sequence in the competition (D8, L15).
Exactly one year to the day since their previous meeting at the same venue – where Arsenal emerged 3-0 winners in last season’s group stage – the Gunners made an assertive start. Noni Madueke broke the deadlock in the ninth minute, racing onto Viktor Gyokeres’ flick following David Raya’s driven clearance, before calmly slotting the ball through goalkeeper Nazar Domchak’s legs for the opening goal.
Job done in Prague 💪 https://t.co/qTzno2ZLWv
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 4, 2026
Mikel Merino, who netted a brace in this fixture last season, nearly added another early on, but Domchak managed to tip the Spaniard’s long-range attempt over the bar. Merino remained a persistent threat, heading over the target from a Gyokeres cross and later drawing another save from Domchak with a separate effort.
First-Half Dominance and Second Goal
Mikel Arteta’s men looked comfortable in possession throughout the opening half, facing a Slavia team that appeared content to limit the damage. Arsenal’s control yielded a deserved second goal in the 38th minute when Gyokeres exchanged a slick one-two with Merino and finished expertly, his shot glancing in off the upright.
Slavia Prague failed to register a single shot on target during a subdued first half, only to improve notably after the break. Within moments of the restart, Oskar Kubiak forced David Raya into a save from long distance, a signal of renewed intent from the hosts.
Late Pressure and Key Defensive Interventions
Spurred by a significant increase in tempo under Jindrich Trpisovsky’s guidance, Slavia pressed forward. Emmanuel Ayaosi’s drive, which was deflected wide by Ezri Konsa, was one of several attempts as the home side looked for a breakthrough. Arsenal’s defence was forced into action, with Gabriel making two crucial headed clearances on the line, and Raya reacting superbly to keep out Kubiak’s header despite mounting pressure.
The home side were eventually rewarded for their efforts in the 90th minute, when Wiktor Nowak turned in David Jurasek’s inviting low cross from close range to halve the deficit and ensure a nervy finish for the visitors. Nevertheless, the Gunners held firm to collect three important points.
