Arsenal were sensational in their 6-0 victory over RC Lens last night, as they confirmed their place in the Champions League knockout stages as group winners.
An emphatic first-half performance saw Arsenal go into half-time 5-0 up, the first time an English side has ever achieved such a feat in the Champions League, and it was the first time anyone in the competition had five different goalscorers in the first half of a game.
Arsenal were beaten in Lens in the away tie, but have been otherwise excellent in games against PSV Eindhoven and Sevilla, and the Gunners’ attackers are taking full advantage of the extra space offered to them than in the Premier League.
Bukayo Saka makes Arsenal history in the Champions League
One of Arsenal’s standout players in the competition has been Bukayo Saka. The winger has consistently been one of the best players at the club since his breakthrough in the last few years, and is thriving in Europe’s elite competition.
Speaking on Sky Sports News, broadcaster Charlotte Marsh revealed that Saka had now set a new record for assists amongst English Arsenal players.
“I mentioned earlier that Saka could make some history tonight – and he’s done me a solid by only fulfilling it,” she stated.
“He has become the first English player to assist three or more goals in a single Champions League season for Arsenal, adding his fourth for Jesus’ second.
“And as Gary mentioned, on the fifth anniversary of his first Gunners appearance. What a moment.”
Bukayo Saka’s Champions League campaign
Saka helped Arsenal return to the Champions League for the first time in over six years with his performances last season, and this was his maiden campaign in the competition.
Some believed that in order for Saka to be considered world-class, that he would have to compete well amongst Europe’s elite.
He has silenced any critics in the group stage so far. He opened the scoring in the first match against PSV Eindhoven, and his early strike was Arsenal’s first in the competition since Theo Walcott’s goal against Bayern Munich in March 2017.
He has scored three times and provided four assists in five group-stage games so far, and he now has more goals and assists in the Champions League than any other player this season.
He is well on course to have the best Champions League campaign out of any English Arsenal player, ahead of the likes of Walcott, Jack Wilshere and Ray Parlour, and he will hope that he can continue his form in the knockout stages.
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