Arsenal cruised to another win in the Champions League as they scored three goals at Slavia Prague on Tuesday evening.
A Mikel Merino brace came after Bukayo Saka scored from the spot to ensure the Gunners could add another three points to their tally.
It was a match that brought about four changes from Mikel Arteta, with several other switches made throughout the game.
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One of them included an experiment with Saka that could point towards an exciting future for Arsenal.
Arsenal FC Press Conference - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Mikel Arteta showed a glimpse at wing pairing with Bukayo Saka and Max Dowman
Plenty of changes were made from the substitutes’ bench, including a first Champions League appearance for Max Dowman.
The 15-year-old became the youngest-ever player to feature in the competition, coming on and playing on the right wing.
His place in the team meant a move for Bukayo Saka, who featured on the left wing instead of his usual place on the right.
The two academy graduates’ positions in the game could hint at an exciting future where they play on either side.
That could create a deadly partnership in the attacking third, while fellow academy star Ethan Nwaneri could also feature as the attacking midfielder in the future.
Saka’s record-breaking night, along with Dowman’s own records, show that there is plenty more to come.
There is certainly a different feeling from the fans when it’s academy stars who are shining the brightest, and they will be delighted at the prospect of yet more options across the frontline.
SK Slavia Praha v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4
Photo by Jasmin Walter – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Max Dowman’s Champions League debut in statistics
A first Champions League appearance for Max Dowman saw the Arsenal star make quite an impression.
In just 18 minutes of action, the youngster ran the opposition ragged, as they had to put two defenders on him.
Dowman was fouled twice, the second-most of anyone in the Arsenal side, while his 16 touches and one successful dribble certainly showed his quality.
The first step on the European stage has been achieved by the playmaker, the next is to get more minutes and even a start before the end of the season.