Manager Mikel Arteta praised his side's ability to navigate a challenging away fixture, though he expressed frustration that his team failed to build on their early dominance. Despite a commanding first-half display, Arsenal were forced to withstand significant pressure after the interval as the hosts looked to mount a late comeback.
First-Half Dominance Sets The Tone
The visitors took control of the contest early, adapting quickly to the cold conditions in Prague.
Gyokeres doubled the lead in the 38th minute, capping a fluid attacking move. After exchanging passes with Mikel Merino on the edge of the penalty area, the forward found the net with a precise strike that went in off the far post. Arteta later noted that his team played at a high level of intensity and quality during the opening period, though he lamented that the scoreline did not reflect their superiority, suggesting the lead should have been more substantial.
Slavia Prague Rally In Second Half
Slavia Prague, who struggled to find their rhythm before the break, emerged with renewed purpose in the second half. Oskar Kubiak tested Raya immediately after the restart, signalling a shift in momentum. As the match entered the final 15 minutes, the Arsenal defence was forced into desperate measures, with Gabriel Magalhaes and Raya clearing headers off the goal line to preserve their advantage.
The hosts eventually found a breakthrough in the 90th minute when Wiktor Nowak converted from close range following a cross from David Jurasek. Despite the late pressure, Arsenal held firm to secure the three points. The defeat extends Slavia Prague's winless run in the Champions League to 23 consecutive matches, leaving them one game shy of the competition's all-time record.
