When Bukayo Saka curled his second goal of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign into the top corner of the Fortuna Arena net, the 24-year-old captain didn’t just seal a 2-0 win for Arsenal Football Club — he etched his name into the club’s modern history. The match, played on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Fortuna Arena in Prague, was more than another league phase fixture. It was a statement. Saka now has exactly nine goals in thirteen Champions League appearances across group and league phases — a record that puts him ahead of any other Arsenal player in the post-2020 era. The win lifted Arsenal to second place in Group B, just one point behind leaders Bayern Munich, and sent a clear message to Europe: this team isn’t just competing — they’re evolving.
How the Match Unfolded
The atmosphere at Fortuna Arena crackled before kickoff. SK Slavia Praha, fresh off a 3-1 win over Feyenoord, came out with intensity, pressing high and forcing Arsenal into early errors. But by the 27th minute, the visitors’ composure began to tell. A slick one-two between Mikel Arteta’s midfield trio — Martin Ødegaard and Gabriel Martinelli — found Saka in space just outside the box. He didn’t hesitate. Left foot. Curve. Goal. The away end erupted. Slavia responded with a flurry of corners, but Arsenal’s backline, anchored by William Saliba, held firm. The second came in the 68th minute: a counterattack started by Jorginho, finished by Leandro Trossard after a darting run from deep. No drama. Just precision.
Why This Goal Matters
Saka’s ninth Champions League goal isn’t just a number. It’s the culmination of a quiet revolution. Since joining Arsenal’s first team in 2019, he’s gone from wide-eyed teenager to the club’s most consistent offensive threat in Europe. His goal tally now surpasses that of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the same phase of competition. And he’s done it without the spotlight that often follows superstars. No viral TikTok dances. No Instagram campaigns. Just relentless work on the training ground and clinical finishes under pressure. "He doesn’t need to be the loudest," said former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fàbregas in a post-match interview. "He’s the one who shows up when it counts. That’s rare."
How Fans Watched — And Connected
While UEFA.com and ESPN offered traditional live updates and stats, the real pulse of the match came from the Lee Gunner YouTube channel. With over 420,000 subscribers, the independent creator hosted a live watch-along that drew 117,000 concurrent viewers — a record for his channel. The chat exploded during Saka’s goal. "Rat Army in full force," one comment read. "This is why we’re here." The channel, which also streams on TikTok and Instagram, doesn’t just show the game — it builds community. Fans debate tactics, share memes of Mikel Arteta’s sideline expressions, and even organize virtual pub nights. "We’re not just watching football," said one member in a direct message to Lee Gunner. "We’re watching it together. That’s the magic."
The Bigger Picture: Arsenal’s European Rise
This win was more than three points. It was a sign that Arsenal are no longer just hopeful contenders — they’re legitimate title threats. Under Mikel Arteta, the club has transformed from a team that struggled to qualify for the knockout stages to one that’s now winning away in Prague, drawing in Munich, and beating Napoli at home. The new league phase format — replacing the old group stage — has been kind to them. They’ve won four of five matches so far, scoring 11 goals and conceding just two. And Saka? He’s been the engine. With 13 goals and 8 assists across all competitions this season, he’s on pace to match his career-best output. If they keep this up, they’ll be in the top four by December — and that means home advantage in the Round of 16.
What’s Next?
Arsenal’s next Champions League fixture is away at Napoli on November 26, 2025 — a rematch of last season’s dramatic 3-2 win. Slavia Praha, meanwhile, host RB Leipzig on the same day, needing a win to stay alive in the race for the Europa League playoff spot. Back in London, the club’s medical team is monitoring a slight hamstring strain for Gabriel Martinelli, but Arteta says he’s "not in danger of missing the next match." The real story, though, is Saka. He’s not just scoring. He’s becoming the face of a new Arsenal era — one built on consistency, not flash.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Bukayo Saka’s goal tally compare to other Arsenal players in the Champions League league phase?
Saka’s nine goals in 13 Champions League appearances (group and league phase combined) are the most by any Arsenal player since the competition’s format changed in 2024. He surpasses previous leaders like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (7 goals) and Alexandre Lacazette (6 goals) in the same phase. Only Thierry Henry, in the old group stage era, had more total goals for Arsenal in the competition — but Saka’s rate is higher, and he’s still only 24.
Why is the Lee Gunner YouTube channel so popular among Arsenal fans?
Lee Gunner’s channel stands out because it feels like a real fan gathering — not a corporate broadcast. With live watch-alongs, tactical breakdowns, and candid fan debates, it creates a sense of belonging. Unlike official channels, it doesn’t just show the match — it celebrates the culture around it. The "Rat Army" nickname, coined by fans years ago, has become a symbol of loyalty, and Lee’s community-driven model — fueled by memberships and social engagement — has turned a niche channel into a global hub for Arsenal supporters.
What impact does the new Champions League league phase have on Arsenal’s chances?
The new 36-team league phase gives Arsenal more games against top sides — and more chances to accumulate points. Unlike the old group stage, where you faced only three opponents, now teams play eight different rivals. Arsenal’s consistency — four wins from five matches — shows they’re adapting well. With fewer "easy" games, every result matters more. But their squad depth and tactical discipline make them one of the strongest teams in the new format.
Is Bukayo Saka likely to be Arsenal’s first Ballon d’Or candidate in decades?
It’s plausible. Saka is already among the top 10 players in Europe for combined goals and assists this season. If Arsenal reach the Champions League semifinals and he scores in the knockout stages — especially against Real Madrid or Manchester City — his case will strengthen significantly. He’s the first Arsenal player since Robin van Persie in 2013 to be consistently named in UEFA’s Team of the Week. A Ballon d’Or nomination is within reach — but he’ll need to stay fit and keep delivering on the biggest nights.
What’s the significance of Fortuna Arena as a venue for Arsenal’s European away games?
Fortuna Arena has become one of the toughest away venues in Europe for English clubs. Slavia Praha have won 8 of their last 10 Champions League home matches, and the crowd noise is intense — especially in the 80th minute. Arsenal’s 2-0 win here in 2025 is only their second away victory at the stadium since 2012. It proves they can now win in hostile, high-pressure environments — something they struggled with in the 2010s. That mental toughness might be their greatest asset this season.
Who are the key players Arsenal need to rely on for the rest of the Champions League campaign?
Beyond Saka, Arsenal’s midfield trio of Ødegaard, Jorginho, and Declan Rice has been flawless in controlling tempo. Saliba and Gabriel are rock-solid at the back, while Trossard and Martinelli provide explosive width. But the X-factor is Arteta’s ability to rotate without losing cohesion. With a busy December schedule, depth matters. Look for 20-year-old striker Myles Lewis-Skelly to get minutes — he’s already scored twice in the Europa League and could be the surprise hero in the knockout rounds.