A dominant performance saw Arsenal secure a 3-0 victory against Slavia Prague on their home ground, a result that left the Czech side frustrated and questioning key decisions.
Mikel Merino emerged as a pivotal figure for Arsenal, scoring twice to solidify the lead and demonstrate the team’s attacking prowess. The win wasn’t just about the goals, but the control Arsenal exerted throughout the match.
Controversy erupted when a penalty was awarded to Arsenal after a flick from Gabriel Magalhaes struck Slavia’s Lukas Provod on the hand. Provod vehemently argued the decision, claiming the ball deflected off his head first.
“The ball went from his head to my head and then into my hand,” Provod explained, desperately hoping VAR would intervene. “I prayed that VAR wouldn’t rule it out. I don’t know exactly what the rule is when the ball goes from my head to my hand.”
Slavia’s coach, Jindrich Trpisovsky, echoed Provod’s frustration, stating the referee initially indicated the ball went directly from Gabriel’s head to Provod’s hand – a scenario that would have negated the penalty. The referee’s explanation centered on the hand position, above the shoulder.
Despite the contentious penalty, Provod acknowledged Arsenal’s quality, stating they are “one of the best, if not the best team in the world.” He highlighted their ability to consistently decide games in the Premier League.
Provod also felt the final scoreline didn’t accurately reflect the match’s flow. “We didn’t deal with it badly, the result is cruel for us,” he insisted. “They didn’t create that much. We were active, our DNA was there.”
A subtle, yet pointed observation came from the Arsenal camp regarding Slavia’s tactics when ahead. They noted the deliberate slowing of play, and a perceived lack of urgency from the referee to maintain tempo, which was interpreted as a backhanded compliment to Arsenal’s pressure.
The match ultimately showcased Arsenal’s clinical finishing and tactical discipline, while leaving Slavia to dissect the refereeing decisions and ponder what might have been.
