Sparta Review: Gunners Conquer Prague and Match Historic Clean Sheet Record
Arsenal went to Prague and came back home with all three points and another clean sheet, equaling their best-ever record of consecutive clean sheets across all competitions. This has been a long time coming, and Mikel Arteta and the boys all deserve their due flowers. Yeah, I still caveat that with: they’ve got to win something but come on, the defensive stats are now entering elite territory. Even the biggest rival fans are eating humble pie, paying homage to Europe’s stingiest defense so far this season. I can’t say it enough goals win you games, but defensive nous wins you titles. This Arsenal team might just be on the cusp of that level. Back to the game the Gunners had a job to do despite our thinning front line (thank God for the squad), but the lads responded. The Czech side were unbeaten this season and top of their league. Their man-mountain up front made it clear from the get-go that our defense was in for a rough night. But here’s why I started with praise for our defense: the mentality shown by the team as a unit was massive.
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| Image Credit: Arsenaldotcom |
Hostile ground. Rocking atmosphere. Physical side. The lads were like, “No problem, let’s get it on.” Arsenal weathered an early storm where Slavia Prague came at us like white on rice. The Gunners showed maturity beyond their years. Norgaard needed a few minutes to rev his engines, as usual, before he settled in. I’m not sure if that’s just his rhythm or if he’s still finding full sharpness. Declan Rice helped to steady the team in midfield, dealing with wave after wave of Slavia pressure (more on Rice later).As the clock ticked on, Arsenal began to find their rhythm, gradually swinging momentum our way. Bukayo Saka had a much better game than the one at Burnley — constantly taking on their right-back, firing shots, and keeping him on his toes. With no Viktor Gyökeres, Saka needed to step up, and he did. I still wouldn’t say the Arsenal No.7 is back to his absolute best yet, but a 60–70% Saka is still levels above most players. We kept piling on the pressure, and Arsenal got a corner, which Slavia failed to fully clear. The referee was called for a VAR check, and a penalty was awarded. Now, here’s where I digress a bit — I must say, this season, Arsenal have been on the lucky side of penalty calls, and I didn’t agree with this one. The defender’s arm was over his head, yes, but not in an unnatural position — he was contesting a header! Was he supposed to jump with his hands glued to his sides? I really don’t understand the interpretation of these handball rules.
To make it worse, the ball came off Gabriel Magalhães’ head from close range, so there was no time for the defender to react. Anyway, rant over penalty stood, and Saka coolly slotted it home into the goalkeeper’s left corner. 0–1 to Arsenal. From that point on, there was only one winner. Slavia Prague huffed and puffed, but Arsenal’s new skill smothering and suffocating teams into playing where we want them was in full effect. First half ended 0–1 to Arsenal. The second half started beautifully. Merino finished a sublime move down the left after Trossard sent in a low cross. The guy is an enigma, not the flashiest player in Arsenal’s midfield nor the most liked, but when he plays up front, his numbers stack up among some very solid strikers. He wasn’t done, though; he headed in another after a brilliant Declan Rice delivery. Merino has an uncanny ability with headers, knowing when to power them in (Spain vs Germany, Euros) or deftly guide them home (Newcastle vs Arsenal this season). 3–0 to the good, Arsenal had a vice grip on the game, and it was hard to see any way back for the hosts. Mikel Arteta made changes with the game wrapped up. On came 15-year-old Max Dowman and boy, did he show why he’s being hyped. Zigging past defenders, riding rough tackles the kid looks special. Talent alone isn’t enough, though he’ll need the right people around him because attitude is everything.
Declan Rice deserves another shoutout. He ran that midfield like a general, covering, passing, tackling, and dictating tempo. He’s turning into a complete all-action midfielder with serious technical ability. You need that to whip in those perfect crosses for Gabby and Merino. Ethan Nwaneri had a quiet outing in the No.10 role, but he’s only 18 perspective is key. Andre Harriman-Annous got some minutes too. There was late drama when Slavia appealed for a penalty heart in mouths! The clean sheet record was at stake, and they hadn’t had a single shot on target. VAR review showed Ben White got the ball cleanly, and the call was overturned. Another clean sheet, another record matched. These kinds of lucky breaks are the total opposite of last season, where every marginal decision seemed to go against us — red cards, suspensions, penalties, dropped points. This season, Arsenal seem calmer, wiser, and maybe, just maybe, making their own luck. Even Mikel looks more serene in pressers. Whether it’s maturity or experience, long may it continue.
Arsenal vs Sunderland Preview: Must-Win Test at the Stadium of Light
Next up, the Gunners travel to the Stadium of Light for a date with Sunderland, who are flying high under captain Granit Xhaka. The newly promoted side sits fourth in the Premier League, with 18 points from 10 games (5W, 2D, 3L) — not bad at all. They’ve even beaten Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, so Arsenal beware — this won’t be a walk in the park. This is another must-win match, and we all know why. Manchester City and Liverpool face off at the Etihad, meaning one or both will drop points. Ideally, it’s a draw I'd prefer, but regardless, Arsenal must realize they have to capitalize.
In Arteta’s words:
“When you analyse Sunderland and see how well-organised, they are, how they adjust things, and the spirit they have within the team, I’m not surprised by their position.
It is going to be a different game to Tuesday, and we need to read it early, understand what it requires, and hopefully beat them.”
Spot on. Sunderland are well-drilled, tough at home, and yet to lose at the Stadium of Light. Arsenal will need to stay focused, disciplined, and perhaps rely again on set-piece brilliance. Erling Haaland might be dragging City along like Salah did for Liverpool last season, but Arsenal feel more balanced. Even when not at their attacking best, they find ways to win. If Sunderland come to play, Arsenal can hit them for a couple. If they sit back, it might be another grind-it-out performance. Either way, three points are a must before the international break, another reason to stay sharp.
For the record, Sunderland haven’t beaten Arsenal in their last 15 Premier League meetings, with their last win coming way back in 2009. But with Granit Xhaka leading them, I can’t shake the feeling he might fancy scoring against his old club (please, no). It’s going to take something special to beat David Raya, but Xhaka has that in his locker. Hopefully, that doesn’t happen and Arsenal leave with three points and a new clean sheet record. I’m looking at Saka, Rice, Timber, Calafiori, and Big Gabby to drive us to victory at the Stadium of Light. Let’s handle our business, keep the momentum going, and head into the break as strong title contenders. Here's how I would line us up, especially with our thinness in attack, yeah......the injuries upfront are piling. Yeah, Mikel won't, I would start Max and keep some dry powder in Eze & Trossard to come off the bench. Ethan didn't have a stellar game in Prague. Let's give him another start while we allow Saka to drift to the left. It may give Sunderland something to ponder as we also unleash Max on the right-hand side of the attack. Anyway, with that, we at #Anaijaguners say hopefully another win, another clean sheet, don't forget to like, share, retweet, and come back for more, do enjoy the game wherever you are....#COYG
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