Arsenal just did something no English side has ever done in Champions League history

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Arsenal were at their very best as they hammered RC Lens 6-0 in the Champions League, and they broke a number of records during the game.

Mikel Arteta’s side were phenomenal going forward, silencing recent critics who highlighted their lack of cutting-edge in attack.

Arsenal broke a Champions League record as they went 5-0 up at half-time with five different goalscorers, and more records were broken throughout the game as the attacking players all got in on the action.

Arsenal break new ground in the Champions League

BBC Sport have now confirmed that Arsenal’s first-half display, which saw them head into the break 5-0 up, is the first time any English side competing in the Champions League had led by five goals at the halfway point.

Kai Havertz had opened the scoring before Gabriel Jesus doubled the lead. Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Odegaard then made it 5-0 at the break, as Lens had no answer to Arsenal’s rampant attack.

Given that plenty of English sides have competed in, and won the Champions League before, this stat is a testament to just how good Arsenal’s display in the first 45 minutes was.

Arsenal’s victory was a statement

PSV Eindhoven’s victory over Sevilla in the earlier kick-off meant that Arsenal simply had to win. Arsenal will travel to Eindhoven in the final game, and a defeat or draw tonight would have meant Arteta may not have been to rotate too heavily for the match.

Both teams have qualified in the final game, and Arsenal will be able to rotate the entire team to give fringe players a rare chance.

The victory over Lens was a statement one, as the Gunners confirmed their place in the knockout rounds for the first time since 2017.

After losing in Lens in the reverse fixture, Arteta chose to play a strong lineup at the Emirates, and the gulf in class was remarkable.

Arsenal’s stars are now thriving on the biggest European stage, and the likes of Saka and Martinelli are continuing to develop in one of the best wing pairings in the Premier League.

Arteta will now be able to focus on domestic fixtures until the round of 16, and should they make it further, he may have a decision to make on which competition to prioritise.

When Arsenal are in top form like they were last night, then talk of the title cannot easily be ruled out.