Arsenal's Champions League Win Highlights Gyökeres' Impact
Arsenal claimed a crucial victory over Slavia Prague, with Viktor Gyökeres playing a pivotal role as the Gunners kept themselves firmly in contention at the UEFA Champions League summit. The Premier League champions traveled to the Czech capital as heavy favorites, and Noni Madueke wasted little time in breaking the deadlock, netting after just eight minutes. Gyökeres, who had set up the opener, then made his own mark on the scoreline with an outstanding finish.
The second half proved far more challenging for Arsenal, who were forced to hold their nerve during a tense final five minutes after Wiktor Nowak converted from close range to hand Slavia Prague a lifeline. Last season's European runners-up are determined to go all the way this time around, and their victory keeps them just two points adrift of the top two, the only teams boasting perfect records through four matches.
Having already triumphed in Prague twelve months ago, Arsenal set about their business in commanding style. Madueke's blistering pace allowed him to latch onto a Gyökeres through ball, and the winger kept his composure to open the scoring inside the first ten minutes. Despite controlling possession, Arsenal didn't bombard the Slavia Prague goal, but they did extend their advantage on 37 minutes through a moment of real quality from Gyökeres. The Swede, who still has his share of critics, combined slickly with Mikel Merino before opening up his body to finish with conviction, aided by a fortunate ricochet off the post.
Slavia Prague kicked off the second period with fresh vigor and Oskar Kubiak's long-range attempt forced David Raya into one of his rare interventions of the evening. Arsenal did ultimately regain dominance, but with the Czech club presenting such minimal danger, the urgency for a third strike was largely absent. Slavia Prague had penalty claims involving Mikel Merino dismissed with 15 minutes left on the clock, but finally managed to give their supporters a moment to celebrate during stoppage time when Nowak converted from a David Jurásek delivery, though it would merely serve as a consolation.
An assist and a goal in the opening half provided the ideal foundation for the Arsenal forward who, seemingly with every appearance, must answer his doubters. The verdict remains undecided on whether the Swede will become the regular spearhead of the Gunners' attack. However, on Wednesday evening the Swede was firing on all cylinders, and Arteta was leaping with delight when he witnessed Gyökeres extend Arsenal's advantage, with his belief in his forward remaining steadfast.
Gyökeres' role in Arsenal's attack
Gyökeres has consistently appeared to be a player who thrives on belief, and Wednesday's performance will have benefited him greatly as he continues competing with Kai Havertz. The pair have alternated in spearheading the Arsenal offense, each contributing distinctly different attributes. The Gunners splashed significant funds on Gyökeres, who was yet to prove himself in a major European league before Arteta came calling. They naturally expect a return on that outlay and the Arsenal manager is clearly happy to stick with him. It's not as though we haven't witnessed the quality he possesses — the frustration is how often we see it.
No team has played more games in the Champions League than Arsenal without winning it. Yet all indicators suggest the North Londoners are better equipped than at any previous point to bring that wait to an end. Countless clubs have suffered final defeats before claiming the title the following season — Liverpool in 2019 being the most recent example. Arsenal will look to follow suit, and they have shown consistent growth in this competition year after year under Arteta.
Three seasons ago Bayern Munich eliminated them in the quarterfinals, the next year brought semifinal heartbreak against Paris Saint-Germain, and last season's defeat to the French giants once again is well documented. It does appear, however, that this Arsenal side is discovering what it takes to thrive in the Champions League with each passing campaign. They were thoroughly impressive in the league phase last term, posting a perfect record, but countless teams have demonstrated that peaking after the New Year serves you far better than hitting form before it.
Let's Call It What It Is
Slavia Prague etched their name into the record books on Wednesday evening, though not in the manner they hoped, as their winless streak stretched to 23 matches. That tally includes eight draws, but the bulk are naturally losses. Their defeat at the hands of Arsenal means they have now gone 23 Champions League fixtures without victory since they secured a win in their inaugural appearance in the tournament back in 2007. The setback has now matched the longest winless sequence in European Cup history, equaling the forgettable stretches posted by both AEK Athens (1989-2006) and Steaua Bucharest (2006-2013).
Supporters who packed into the Fortuna Arena paid handsomely for the privilege of witnessing the Czechs establish unwanted history. The Premier League champions are naturally a major attraction and, once converted, the home club was demanding upwards of £120 ($162) to watch Declan Rice, Gabriel Magalhães and company strut their stuff.
