Gyökeres gives Arsenal a lead they struggle to protect

Arsenal's opener came from the directness that made them so effective before the interval. Gyökeres held a high ball and released Madueke into the space behind Slavia's defence. The winger finished low past Nazar Domchak in the ninth minute, giving the visitors an early reward for their attacking intent.

The second goal was more controlled. Mikel Merino won possession high up the pitch, Declan Rice found Gyökeres, and the striker exchanged a one-two with Merino before curling in from the edge of the area. Arsenal had opportunities to extend the margin, but their two-goal cushion remained the match's defining protection.

Slavia changed the contest after the break. They pressed with greater urgency, pushed Arsenal towards their own box and began to create increasingly dangerous moments. Gabriel Magalhães cleared a header from the goal line, before David Raya produced an outstanding save to turn Oskar Kubiak's header onto the post.

Arsenal never restored the authority of the first half. Wiktor Nowak turned in David Jurásek's cross in the 90th minute, leaving the visitors to negotiate stoppage time under pressure. The win took Arsenal to ten points from four matches and third in the league phase, but their loss of control after the interval gave Mikel Arteta a more immediate problem than the table could show.