PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC – Arsenal extended their perfect record in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League to four wins from four matches, securing a commanding 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague at the Fortuna Arena on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. A second-half brace from makeshift striker Mikel Merino and a first-half penalty by Bukayo Saka sealed the win, which sees the Gunners maintain their position at the top of the league phase standings.

The match, which kicked off at 8:45 PM EAT, saw Mikel Arteta’s side continue a remarkable defensive streak. Arsenal has not conceded a single goal in the competition this season. This victory also marked their eighth consecutive clean sheet across all competitions, a feat the club last achieved in 1903.

Arsenal took the lead in the 32nd minute when captain Bukayo Saka converted a penalty. The spot-kick was awarded after a VAR review confirmed a handball by Slavia's Lukas Provod from a corner. Despite a spirited start from the home side, backed by a vocal crowd, Arsenal controlled possession and steadily grew into the game.

The second half began with immediate impact from Arsenal. Just a minute after the restart, Leandro Trossard provided a cross that found Mikel Merino unmarked in the box, who volleyed it in to double the lead. Merino, filling in for the injured Viktor Gyokeres, scored his second goal in the 68th minute with a poacher's header from a Declan Rice cross, cementing a clinical performance. Merino later credited his teammates for his goal-scoring success in an unfamiliar role.

The match also featured a historic moment when 15-year-old Max Dowman came on as a substitute for Arsenal, becoming the youngest player in Champions League history.

IMPLICATIONS FOR KENYA AND EAST AFRICA

While there were no Kenyan players involved, the UEFA Champions League is the most searched football event in Kenya, a nation with a deeply rooted passion for the sport. Top European clubs like Arsenal command a massive following, including prominent figures like President William Ruto, an ardent Gunners fan. The team's success directly fuels widespread engagement across the country, from social media discussions to viewership in homes and entertainment spots.

Furthermore, the sports betting industry in Kenya sees a significant surge in activity during Champions League nights. High-profile matches involving popular teams like Arsenal are major drivers for betting platforms such as SportPesa, with fans keenly analyzing match statistics and predictions before placing wagers. The Gunners' dominant form and flawless defensive record are key data points for the nation's betting community.

MATCH AND COMPETITION CONTEXT

The win places Arsenal in a strong position in the new 36-team league phase format of the Champions League. With 12 points and a goal difference of +11, they are well-positioned to qualify directly for the Round of 16 by finishing in the top eight. Slavia Prague, who came into the match unbeaten in their domestic league, struggled to create chances and only registered their first shot on target in stoppage time. The defeat leaves them in a challenging position in the standings.

Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta praised his team's mindset and relentless pursuit of improvement despite the string of victories and records. The team's performance, built on a formidable defense and clinical finishing, underscores their status as serious contenders in both domestic and European competitions.