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Arsenal Cruise Past Slavia Prague in Champions League as Merino Hits Brace and Hincapie Shines

Mikel Arteta hailed Bayer Leverkusen loanee Piero Hincapie after a spotless defensive display in his first Champions League start.

Overview

  • Arsenal won 3-0 in Prague, with Bukayo Saka opening from the spot after a VAR handball review before Mikel Merino struck twice early in the second half.
  • Piero Hincapie started at left-back on his European debut for the club and won all eight of his duels plus 100% of his tackles, per reported match data.
  • Post-match, Arteta said he was very happy with Hincapie and highlighted the defender’s ability to play both centre-back and full-back.
  • The result marked a fourth straight Champions League victory and a 10th consecutive win in all competitions for Arsenal, reflecting sustained control with rotation.
  • Merino continued to lead the line in Viktor Gyokeres’ absence and has now produced nine goals and three assists across 17 games when deployed up front, according to reports.