Arsenal hold off Slavia Champions League comeback to maintain perfect away record

The Gunners looked comfortable after first-half goals from Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres put them firmly in control. However, a much less convincing second-half performance allowed the hosts to threaten a late comeback.

Madueke opened the scoring after nine minutes, racing through on goal following a clever flick-on from Gyokeres before finishing between goalkeeper Nazar Domchak's legs.

Arsenal continued to dominate, with Mikel Merino going close on several occasions before Gyokeres doubled their advantage in the 38th minute. The Sweden striker exchanged passes with Merino before producing an excellent finish that went in off the post.

Slavia offered little attacking threat before the break but returned with greater urgency. David Raya was forced into action early in the second half, while Gabriel produced two important headed clearances to prevent the hosts from scoring.

Arsenal struggled to maintain their first-half control and were eventually punished in the 90th minute when Wiktor Nowak converted David Jurasek's delivery from close range.

The goal set up a tense finish, but Arteta's side held on to secure three valuable points and extend their unbeaten Champions League away run to 10 matches.

Arteta was pleased with the result but made it clear that his players must improve after allowing Slavia back into the contest.

"Always we need to value winning away in the Champions League - it is extremely difficult," Arteta told TNT Sports.

"Two very different halves. We should have had three or four goals in the first half, but we didn't do it. Right at the start of the second half we were on the back foot, very sloppy and gave balls away. Then we had to suffer. A lot to learn."

The Arsenal manager also defended his decision to make six changes to the starting line-up, insisting he would make the same selection again.

"We should have scored more in the first half and if we didn't do that we had to go and do that in the second half," he added.

"Whether we were lacking something I don't know, but I would have done the same thing again."

The victory continued Arsenal's unbeaten record against Czech opposition, with 10 wins and two draws from 12 meetings. Slavia, meanwhile, remain without a victory in their last 23 Champions League proper matches, having drawn eight and lost 15.

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