Arsenal’s Victory Over Slavia Praha Makes History
Arsenal continued its remarkable run of form with a commanding 3-0 win over Slavia Praha in the Champions League, a victory that saw the club etch its name into the record books yet again. The result marked the Gunners’ eighth consecutive clean sheet across all competitions, equaling a club record that had stood since 1903. It’s a feat that underlines the defensive transformation under Mikel Arteta, whose side has blended structure, discipline, and consistency at an elite level. Each shutout has carried its own statement of intent, and matching a 122-year-old milestone only deepens the sense that Arsenal’s defense is operating at historic standards. The Gunners will have a chance to break the record outright in their next outing.
The night also produced another historic moment, this time from the youngest member of Arteta’s squad. Max Dowman, at just 15 years and 308 days old, became the youngest player ever to appear in a UEFA Champions League match. The teenager’s debut reflects Arsenal’s growing trust in its youth system and the long-term vision guiding the club’s rebuild. Dowman’s appearance wasn’t just symbolic, it was a reward for his rapid development and the maturity he has shown in training with the first team. His record-setting night adds a new layer to an already unforgettable season in north London, coming just days after he became the youngest player ever to start for Arsenal in their 2-0 win over Brighton in the Carabao Cup.
David Raya joined the record books as well, becoming the fastest Arsenal goalkeeper to record 50 clean sheets for the club. The Spanish international reached the milestone in just 110 appearances, underscoring his reliability and consistency since arriving in north London. Raya’s calm presence and command of the penalty area have been central to Arsenal’s defensive success, and his latest clean sheet extended a remarkable personal run of form. For a goalkeeper whose arrival was met with questions of competition and pressure, this achievement has further solidified his status as one of the Premier League’s most dependable shot-stoppers. His record perfectly complements Arsenal’s broader defensive dominance.
Through 16 matches in all competitions this season, Arsenal have conceded only three goals—an extraordinary statistic that highlights their balance and control on both ends of the pitch. The last time they allowed a goal was in a 2-1 win over Newcastle in September, meaning the Gunners have gone more than a month without conceding. The consistency has turned their defense into the foundation of a title-challenging campaign. It’s a run defined not by luck, but by structure and discipline across every line of play. Opponents have found chances hard to come by against a side that suffocates attacks before they start.
Arsenal remain one of only two teams yet to concede in the Champions League this season, further showcasing their evolution on Europe’s biggest stage. Their defensive organization and composure have traveled seamlessly across competitions, giving them the kind of stability often associated with seasoned continental contenders. Each match has added to their growing aura of control, with the back line and midfield operating in near-perfect synchrony. For a club historically known for attacking flair, this new defensive steel has become its defining strength. With records falling and standards rising, Arsenal’s 2025-26 campaign is beginning to look like one for the history books.
