Arsenal hosted Lens in a Champions League group stage clash this evening knowing that a win would ensure they progressed to the knockout rounds as group winners.
Arsenal eviscerated the French club at the Emirates Stadium, winning by a 6-0 scoreline.
In an utterly dominant and destructive first half performance, the Gunners put five goals past Lens. Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Odegaard all got on the scoresheet as the visitors were blown away by a virtuoso attacking display.
Mikel Arteta took the opportunity to make changes at the break and throughout the far more settled second half as Arsenal simply cruised to victory. Jorginho was able to add a sixth with a late penalty.
Arteta’s side laid down a marker tonight in terms of the threat they carry in European competition this season.
Arsenal player ratings
David Raya – 7.5/10
Had little to do in terms of saves, but his distribution was solid and he claimed crosses with authority.
Takehiro Tomiyasu – 9/10
Only spent 45 minutes on the pitch, but it was arguably Takehiro Tomiyasu’s most impressive minutes in an Arsenal shirt. With Ben White still short of full fitness, the £19.8 million Japanese ace filled in at right-back and produced a scintillating all-round display.
He defended solidly when required, but generally got forward to great effect, working with Saka on the right flank. Contributed two excellent assists, to set up Martinelli and Odegaard.
Even if White is ready to start against Wolves this weekend, Tomiyasu has to keep his place in the XI after tonight.
William Saliba – 6/10
Uncharacteristically let a couple of Lens attackers run off him in the first half, and misplaced a couple of passes. Perhaps a touch of complacency crept into William Saliba’s performance.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 8/10
Screamed in celebration after making a great block in the 91st minute. He wanted that clean sheet and deserved it.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7.5/10
Excellent on the ball, keeping things moving forward quickly whenever Arsenal had the opportunity to attack. Off at half-time to save his legs and give Jakub Kiwior a run out.
Declan Rice – 8/10
Just absolutely dominant again.
Martin Odegaard – 8/10
The club captain looks to be getting back to his best. Arteta will have been delighted to see Odegaard back on the scoresheet again.
Kai Havertz – 8/10
Havertz picked up from where he left off against Brentford last time out. Was unlucky to see a header float just wide early on, but then opened the scoring moments later after some smart movement in the box. Was a combative presence in midfield and showed some flashes of silky footwork in the second half. The former Chelsea man suddenly looks like a player full of confidence.
Bukayo Saka – 8/10
Was fouled three times, as per WhoScored statistics, as Lens could only resort to kicking him. Saka has come to expect extra attention from defenders this season, but the French side’s rearguard still couldn’t prevent him getting a goal and an assist. Was taken off with 25 minutes to give him a rest ahead of the weekend.
Gabriel Martinelli – 8/10
Martinelli produced an electric run and finish for his goal and terrorised the Lens defence all evening.
Gabriel Jesus – 8.5/10
Jesus was scintillating in the first half, showing off with tricks and turns whilst always playing in service of his teammates. Took his goal brilliantly.
Substitutes
Ben White – 7.5/10
Jakub Kiwior – 7.5/10
Reiss Nelson – 7/10
Jorginho – 7/10
Eddie Nketiah – 6.5/10
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