Arsenal Beat Slavia Prague 2-1 to Strengthen Champions League Campaign

Arsenal returned to winning ways in the Champions League on Wednesday, defeating Slavia Prague 2-1 away from home through first-half goals from Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres. The victory took Mikel Arteta's side to 10 points from four matches in the European competition.

Slavia Prague, meanwhile, remained on just one point in the league phase standings. Despite the cold conditions in the Czech capital, Arsenal started brightly and quickly took control of the contest.

The visitors made their early pressure count when Madueke opened the scoring in the ninth minute. The goal followed an impressive attacking move involving goalkeeper David Raya and striker Gyokeres.

Raya sent a long clearance forward, which Gyokeres controlled with his chest before instinctively laying the ball into the path of Madueke, who was making a forward run along the right wing. Madueke used his pace to get beyond Slavia's defensive line before sending a low shot past Ukrainian teenage goalkeeper Nazar Domchak.

Arsenal continued to press and doubled their advantage in the 38th minute through Viktor Gyokeres. The striker, who was one of six players brought into the starting line-up by Arteta following Sunday's 1-0 victory at Liverpool, finished neatly after combining with Mikel Merino.

The move began with a quick exchange of passes between Gyokeres and Merino near the edge of the Slavia penalty area. Gyokeres then struck the ball towards the far post, beating Domchak to make it 2-0.

The two-goal advantage gave Arsenal a comfortable position heading into the second half, although Slavia continued to search for a response. The home side eventually found the net in the 90th minute through Wiktor Nowak.

David Jurasek delivered a cross that travelled through Arsenal's defensive line, allowing Nowak to strike from close range and reduce the deficit. However, Slavia could not find another goal before the final whistle, leaving Arsenal with all three points.

The result marked an important response from Arteta's team after their 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich last month. Arsenal now have 10 points from four matches and remain firmly involved in the race for a strong finish in the Champions League standings.