Mikel Merino proved his worth as a makeshift striker, bagging a brace to help Arsenal cruise to a 3-0 win over Slavia Prague in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Bukayo Saka opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute after being brought down in the box, keeping his composure to slot past the Slavia goalkeeper.

Merino steps up in style

With Viktor Gyokeres sidelined, Merino took charge of the attack and made an instant impact. Within a minute of the second half, he turned in Leandro Trossard’s delivery from close range to double Arsenal’s lead.

The Spaniard struck again 20 minutes later, rising highest to meet a cross and seeing his header deflect off the Slavia keeper into the net, sealing a dominant display from Mikel Arteta’s men.

VAR denies Slavia late lifeline

A late penalty initially awarded for a high boot from Ben White was overturned after a VAR review, preserving Arsenal’s eighth straight clean sheet in all competitions.

Arsenal’s winning run continues

Arteta handed minutes to youngsters Max Dowman and Myles Lewis-Skelly in the closing stages as the Gunners comfortably saw out the game.

The result marked Arsenal’s fourth consecutive Champions League win this season and extended their overall winning streak to 10 matches, temporarily moving them top of the Premier League table pending other results.