Another European away day, another victory for Arsenal: albeit only just. This time, Viktor Gyökeres stole the show as poor Slavia Prague matched the longest winless streak in European Cup and Champions League history despite a spirited late comeback. That unwanted record stands at 23, equalling the mark set by AEK Athens and FCSB – formerly known as Steaua Bucharest – while Arsenal are unbeaten in their 10 last away trips.
However, had it not been for a wonder save from David Raya, the Czech champions would have snatched a point after Wiktor Nowak pulled one back late on as Mikel Arteta’s usually watertight defence showed signs of fallibility under pressure. In contrast to last week’s defeat against Fleetwood in the Carabao Cup, Arsenal had been cruising until the last 15 minutes after Noni Madueke fired them ahead early on, set up superbly by Gyökeres. That was the Sweden striker’s third assist in his past five appearances, although Arteta will have been even more encouraged by the emphatic finish that appeared to put the game beyond Slavia’s reach just before the break.
But the Arsenal manager admitted his side had taken their eye off the ball by allowing their hosts back into the game with some uncharacteristic defensive lapses as Slavia racked up 18 shots to his side’s 12. That is a huge learning.” Slavia’s solitary victory in this competition came in their first-ever match in 2007 and after losing 3-0 to Arsenal here exactly a year ago, they knew their chances of avoiding the unwanted milestone were extremely slim. Arteta’s side have developed a killer instinct on their travels in Europe – not since May 2025 in the second leg of their semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain have Arsenal lost an away game in 90 minutes.
After their exploits at Anfield on Sunday that took them three points clear at the top of the Premier League, Arteta heavily rotated his side again with six changes. It’s perhaps not surprising that Martín Zubimendi ran out of steam given the Spain World Cup winner made only his third start of a so far frustrating campaign. For the third time in Arsenal’s past four matches, Gyökeres was entrusted with leading the line after finally getting off the mark with a scrappy strike against Fleetwood.
He finished as top scorer last season with 21 goals but has clearly been struggling for form and confidence. Yet there was no doubting the quality of his assist for Madueke’s opening goal after just eight minutes. Raya’s long ball should have been dealt with by the Slavia defence but they made the criminal error of allowing it to bounce.
That was the cue for Gyökeres to come alive as he beat his marker to the ball, chested it down and played the perfect pass for the England forward to run on to and score. Arteta’s reaction on the touchline suggested he enjoyed it too. Mikel Merino was Arsenal’s hero here last year with two goals and he could have extended their lead on three occasions before the half-hour mark.
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