Arsenal's Stunning Turnaround: From Inter Loss to Slavia Triumph

Arsenal overcome adversity with clinical display against Slavia

Almost exactly a year ago, Arsenal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Inter Milan in the Champions League, despite dominating the match.

Under intense pressure in the first half, fueled by Slavia's passionate home fans and their high-pressing tactics...

Arsenal's transformation over the past year is evident in their recent performances. Almost exactly a year ago, they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Inter Milan in the Champions League, despite dominating the match. In stark contrast, Arsenal recently secured a convincing 3-0 win over Slavia Prague in the same competition.

Bukayo Saka's penalty kick in the 32nd minute set the tone for Arsenal's victory, while Mikel Merino scored twice in the second half, cementing their win. This display showcases Arsenal's growth and improvement, marking a significant shift from their previous encounter with Inter Milan.

Racking up our fourth win of the league phase 💪 pic.twitter.com/yjuUUkundl

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 4, 2025

Under intense pressure in the first half, fueled by Slavia's passionate home fans and their high-pressing tactics, Arsenal managed to weather the storm. As the game unfolded, they appeared increasingly comfortable, despite fielding a rotated side.

While Inter made it to the final last season, Slavia was eliminated in the League Phase. However, Arsenal's recent performance marks a significant improvement, even with many of the same core players who suffered a defeat at the San Siro nearly a year ago. Seven of those players started in the lineup against Slavia Prague.

Mikel Arteta made four changes to the starting lineup for Tuesday's match, giving Ethan Nwaneri and Christian Norgaard rare opportunities to shine in midfield alongside Declan Rice. Both players delivered solid performances, showcasing the squad depth that Arteta has cultivated since taking charge.

This impressive squad depth is a testament to Arteta's strategic approach. The midfield trio of Nwaneri, Norgaard, and Rice worked well together, while the attacking players also made significant contributions to the team's success.

The win demonstrates Arsenal's growth and improvement under Arteta's leadership, particularly in terms of squad depth and player development. With key players like Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus sidelined with injuries, Arteta was able to call upon other talented players to step up and make an impact.

Arsenal's biggest concern ahead of the match was the loss of Viktor Gyokeres, who suffered a muscle injury during the weekend. Mikel Arteta confirmed that Gyokeres would miss the game, and his return date is uncertain.

Mikel Merino stepped into a familiar role as a makeshift forward in Gyokeres' absence and showed his goal-scoring prowess with a clinical finish in the second half. This display suggests he still has a keen eye for goal.

The rest of the team also showed their quality, contributing to a convincing win. The players' performance was clinical and effective, highlighting their ability to adapt to challenging circumstances.

Arsenal's defense was impenetrable at the Fortuna Arena, where they secured their eighth consecutive clean sheet. The pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba proved to be a formidable duo, expertly guarding the goal and rarely allowing opposition shots on target.

This defensive solidity was on full display against Slavia Prague, where Arsenal's backline successfully withstood intense pressure. Gabriel and Saliba's ability to defend set pieces and capitalize on them offensively adds another dimension to Arsenal's attack.

The team, largely intact for the third season, has reached an age where everything falls into place. Despite some rotations, they display a natural cohesion, with well-defined roles and telepathic communication, hinting at a momentum that could propel them through the season.

Max Dowman, just 15 years and 308 days old, has become the youngest player to feature in a Champions League game, showcasing Arsenal's commitment to youth development. His debut adds to Arsenal's growing reputation for nurturing elite young talent.

Under Mikel Arteta's guidance, Arsenal is blending youthful energy with experience, and players like Dowman are at the forefront. Arteta praised Dowman's “unteachable” talent, highlighting his confidence, calmness, and natural ability on the pitch.

Two more goals for The Arsenal

This evening’s @ChampionsLeague Player of the Match, Mikel Merino 🏆 pic.twitter.com/2Ax1V3AEmy

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 4, 2025

Max Dowman's 18-minute cameo may not have had a significant impact on the game, but his presence on the pitch at just 15 years old is a remarkable achievement. He was one of two teenagers brought on late in the match, highlighting the promising young talent emerging from Arsenal's ranks.

Arsenal's current form brings to mind Liverpool's title-winning campaign last year - consistently doing enough to secure wins, often without needing to peak. This professional, clinical approach is a winning formula, and with several months still left in the season, Arsenal fans are optimistic about their team's chances.

The Gunners' performances have been impressive, and fans are excited about the potential for a successful season. With a strong squad and effective tactics, Arsenal is well-positioned to make a deep run in the league and potentially challenge for the title.