Slavia Prague tested Arsenal's defence with 17 shots in second half

Arsenal secured a 2-1 victory against Slavia Prague at the Fortuna Arena, maintaining their unbeaten start in the Champions League this season. The Gunners, who finished as runners-up last year, dominated the first half with goals from Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres. Their early performance suggested a comfortable win, but the match took a different turn in the second half as Slavia mounted a spirited comeback.

After a dominant first half, Arsenal faced a resurgence from Slavia Prague, who tested their defence with 17 shots after the break. Wiktor Nowak's late goal brought the hosts back into contention, creating a tense finish for Arsenal. Despite the pressure, the Gunners held on for the win, bolstered by a crucial goal-line clearance from Gabriel Magalhaes and several key saves from goalkeeper David Raya.

Mikel Arteta made six changes to the side that defeated Liverpool, and the adjustments paid off initially as Arsenal took the lead. Gyokeres assisted Madueke for the opener before scoring a stunning second goal himself. However, the team struggled to maintain control in the second half, allowing Slavia to exploit gaps in their defence and create multiple chances.

Arteta acknowledged the contrasting halves, noting that while the first was exceptional, the second was marked by sloppiness. David Raya echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need for improvement despite the win. The goalkeeper pointed out that Slavia's aggressive approach made the game challenging, and he emphasised the importance of learning from such experiences in the Champions League.

Arsenal's victory marks their third win in four Champions League matches this season, placing them third in the league phase table. Gyokeres, who has recently found form, contributed significantly with his goal and assist, suggesting a potential turning point in his season. The Gunners continue to build momentum as they navigate through the competition.

via Sky Sports