Gyokeres scores and assists as Arsenal edge Slavia Prague to stay two points off Champions League summit

Viktor Gyokeres delivered a goal and an assist to help Arsenal claim a 2-1 victory over Slavia Prague in the Champions League on Wednesday, keeping the Premier League champions firmly in contention at the top of the table.

Noni Madueke broke the deadlock inside eight minutes, latching onto a through ball from Gyokeres and composing himself to finish. The Swedish striker then got on the scoresheet himself on 37 minutes, combining with Mikel Merino before opening up his body and finishing impressively — with a helping hand from the post.

Arsenal were the dominant side throughout the first half and carried their two-goal cushion into the break, but Slavia Prague came out with renewed energy after the interval. Oskar Kubiak’s long-range effort forced David Raya into one of his few saves of the evening, and the hosts continued to press for a way back into the game.

With a quarter of an hour remaining, Slavia Prague appealed for a penalty against Merino, only for the appeals to be waved away. The hosts did eventually find the net deep in stoppage time when Wiktor Nowak tapped home from a David Jurasek cross, but it proved only a consolation as Arsenal held on for the three points.

The result means Arsenal — runners-up in Europe last season — sit just two points behind the only two sides with perfect records after four Champions League games, keeping their ambitions of going one step further very much alive.

For Gyokeres, the performance will carry particular significance. The former Sporting Lisbon forward has faced persistent scrutiny since his move to Arsenal, with questions lingering over whether he can consistently lead the Gunners’ attack at the highest level. Manager Mikel Arteta has been vocal in his public support of the striker, and his animated reaction to Gyokeres’ goal — rare enthusiasm for a second strike in a relatively comfortable match — underlined just how much the Spaniard values the contribution.

Gyokeres has shared the centre-forward role with Kai Havertz this season, the two offering contrasting qualities in attack. Wednesday’s display in Prague, where the Swede looked sharp, direct and composed in front of goal, will strengthen his case for a more regular starting berth as Arsenal push deep into the competition.