Arsenal FC player ratings vs Slavia Prague: Mikel Merino shines as a striker as Max Dowman makes history

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Arsenal player ratings vs Slavia Prague: Mikel Merino shines as a striker as Max Dowman makes history

North Londoners have still not conceded a goal in Europe this term

Bagged a brace: Mikel Merino

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Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

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Arsenal maintained their perfect start to this season’s Champions League by beating Slavia Prague 3-0 at the Fortuna Arena.

Mikel Merino, tasked with playing as an emergency No9, scored twice and Bukayo Saka slotted a penalty.

The Gunners have now won 10 games in a row in all competitions, while this was also their eight clean sheet on the spin.

Mikel Arteta’s side are currently top of the Champions League table with four wins from their opening four games.

Simon Collings rated the Arsenal players in action against Slavia Prague...

David Raya 6

Another clean sheet and it was yet another comfortable evening for the Spaniard. Slavia had one shot on target.

Jurrien Timber 7

Caused chaos with some marauding runs forward. Defensively solid, too, and kept Slavia’s left flank quiet.

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William Saliba 7

Typically cool and composed, even if Slavia striker Tomas Chory tried to throw his weight around.

Gabriel 8

Arsenal’s defence has been outstanding this season, and Gabriel has been the pick of the bunch. Made a few big blocks.

Piero Hincapie 7

Started at left-back for the first time since his summer move to Arsenal and put in a good performance. Seemed to love the physical battle.

Ethan Nwaneri 6

Given just his third start of the season after some bright cameos. The odd lively moment, but never really got going. Booked.

Christian Norgaard 7

Handed only his third start of the season due to Martin Zubimendi being suspended. Neat and tidy, a steady display at the base of midfield.

Declan Rice 8

In brilliant form right now and has taken his game to another level. Created the third goal with a lovely lofted pass into the box.

Double trouble: Mikel Merino and Declan Rice

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Bukayo Saka 7

Slotted his penalty and had four shots on target during a lively first half. Finished the game on the left flank, which is a rarity.

Mikel Merino 9 | Star player

Tasked with playing as a striker in the absence of the injured Viktor Gyokeres - and delivered. Took his first goal like a seasoned No9 and bagged a second 20 minutes later.

Leandro Trossard 7

Such a consistent performer. Picked up an assist for the second game in a row by crossing the ball for Merino’s goal.

Substitutions

Eberechi Eze (Nwaneri 65’) 6

Handed a rest after starting the last six games for Arsenal in a row. Help Arsenal continue to control the midfield.

Max Dowman (Trossard 72’) 6

Made history by becoming the youngest player in Champions League history. Welcomed to the big stage by being fouled repeatedly.

History books: Max Dowman

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Ben White (Timber 73’) 6

A surprise he did not start. Had a heart-in-mouth moment when he thought he gave away a penalty, but VAR overturned it.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (Hincapie 73’) 6

Busy and made his presence known as soon as he came on. Booked.

Andre Harriman-Annous (Rice 81’) N/A

Subs not used: Setford, Rojas-Fedorushchenko, Mosquera, Calafiori, Sagoe Jr

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