According to a report by BBC Sport on Wednesday November 4, 2026, Arsenal secured a hard-fought 2-1 Champions League victory over Slavia Prague, producing an impressive first-half performance before surviving considerable pressure during the closing stages to collect three important points.

Mikel Arteta's side started aggressively, dominating possession and creating several opportunities. Their early pressure eventually produced an opening goal through Noni Madueke in the ninth minute.

Viktor Gyökeres provided an excellent long pass to release Madueke inside the penalty area, allowing the winger to find the bottom-left corner with a powerful finish.

Arsenal continued controlling proceedings, with Gyökeres, Mikel Merino and Eberechi Eze creating dangerous opportunities. However, Slavia goalkeeper Nazar Domchak produced several impressive saves.

Merino came particularly close with a powerful effort, while Eze also saw his attempt cleared off the goal line after beating the goalkeeper.

The visitors eventually doubled their advantage in the 38th minute when Merino delivered an excellent pass into the penalty area, allowing Gyökeres to finish confidently.

Slavia struggled to threaten Arsenal consistently during the opening period, with David Raya remaining largely untroubled as the visitors comfortably protected their two-goal advantage.

However, the hosts returned from half-time with greater determination, immediately testing Raya through Oskar Kubiak's dangerous effort, which required an outstanding save.

Arsenal subsequently faced increased pressure, with Raya producing another important intervention to deny Kubiak before keeping out Mikulas Konecny's header.

Arteta introduced several substitutes, including Martin Ødegaard, Jurrien Timber and Cristhian Mosquera, as Arsenal attempted to maintain control and protect their advantage.

Declan Rice received a yellow card in the 68th minute, while Slavia continued pushing forward and searching for opportunities to reduce the deficit.

Raya delivered another outstanding save in the 83rd minute, tipping Kubiak's header onto the post to preserve Arsenal's advantage during a difficult spell.

Slavia finally found a breakthrough in the 90th minute when David Jurasek delivered an excellent cross for Wiktor Nowak to finish.

VAR reviewed the goal before referee Tobias Stieler confirmed its validity, giving the hosts renewed hope during five minutes of added time.

Nevertheless, Arsenal maintained their composure, defended resolutely and prevented Slavia from finding another equaliser, securing a valuable Champions League victory away from home.