Arsenal secured a 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague in the Champions League league phase on November 4, 2025, extending their winning streak to 10 matches and clean sheets to eight. Fifteen-year-old Max Dowman became the youngest player ever in the competition, entering as a substitute at age 15 years and 308 days. Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino scored the goals in the match at Fortuna Arena.
Arsenal continued their strong form in the Champions League with a convincing 3-0 win against Slavia Prague, marking their fourth victory in four group stage matches. The game took place on November 4, 2025, at the Fortuna Arena in Prague, Czech Republic. Bukayo Saka opened the scoring from a penalty kick before halftime, giving Arsenal the lead. In the second half, Mikel Merino, who started up top in place of the absent Viktor Gyokeres, netted twice to seal the result and ensure Arsenal's eighth consecutive clean sheet across all competitions.
The match gained historical significance with the debut of 15-year-old Max Dowman, who replaced Leandro Trossard in the 72nd minute. At 15 years and 308 days old, Dowman surpassed Youssoufa Moukoko's record of 16 years and 18 days set in 2020 for Borussia Dortmund. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised the youngster, saying, "What he’s done on the pitch. The first ball he takes, he takes people on, starts to dribble and wins a foul. That’s personality and courage. You cannot teach that." Dowman, a left-footed attacking midfielder from Chelmsford, Essex, has risen quickly through Arsenal's academy, joining at age five and training with the senior team since age 14.
Another Arsenal youth product, 17-year-old Andre Harriman-Annous, made his Champions League debut by substituting for Declan Rice in the 81st minute. This win matched a 122-year club record for eight straight clean sheets, last achieved in 1903. Dowman's appearance highlights Arsenal's tradition of promoting young talent, following teammate Ethan Nwaneri as the club's youngest Premier League player.
For context, the previous youngest Champions League players include Lamine Yamal (16 years and 68 days for Barcelona in 2023) and Céléstine Babayaro (16 years and 86 days for Anderlecht in 1994). Dowman has already featured in four senior appearances this season, including starting as Arsenal's youngest-ever player in the EFL Cup win over Brighton six days prior.
