Arsenal scored five first half goals to win their Champions League group thanks to a 6-0 win over RC Lens.
The Gunners cruised to victory against the Ligue 1 side after goals from Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard. A late Jorginho penalty completed the rout for Mikel Arteta’s side to confirm their passage through as group winners.
Here are five talking points from Arsenal’s biggest win of the season so far…
Kai Havertz scores again
Kai Havertz made it back-to-back games in which he has scored in as he started the Gunners’ first half rout. Pouncing at Gabriel Jesus’ knockdown inside the Lens penalty area, the German stabbed the ball past goalkeeper Brice Samba to put Mikel Arteta’s side ahead. After scoring a late winner against Brentford over the weekend, Havertz appears to have his grove back after his £60 million move in the summer, a welcome side for Arteta and the Arsenal faithful.
Gabriel Jesus and the Champions League: A perfect combo
Arsenal could not have asked for a player so suited to the Champions League than Gabriel Jesus. Returning to a European starting eleven for the first time since single-handedly dismantling Spanish side Sevilla, Jesus grabbed Arsenal’s second of the night. The composure to cut inside of the defender and fire it into the bottom left corner was a touch of class, and took his tally in Europe’s elite competition to four in four matches. A weapon that Arteta needs to keep fit if Arsenal are to go far.
Arsenal finally score more than once in the first half
The Gunners have struggled to fire in the opening exchanges this season. Prior to tonight, they had struggle to score in the opening 20 minutes of matches, scoring only once in that period so far this campaign. Arsenal may have only scored once in that time period tonight, but they ran riot, scoring four more before the half-time whistle blew. A quite stunning open 45 minutes from Arteta’s side, who have been far more lax in the final third in the opening stages of games this season.
Tomiyasu’s form a concern for Ben White
Ben White’s recent injury issues have been a blessing in disguise for Takehiro Tomiyasu. The Japanese international has enjoyed a resurgence of late as White’s fitness problems have allowed the fullback to seize his opportunity with both hands. A strong performance from the 24-year-old against Brentford was followed up by an excellent first half showing tonight, notching up two assists in the process. A conundrum worth having for Arteta as the Gunners enter the busy winter period.
Five star first half as Arsenal win the group
A resounding 6-0 at then end of the match, but Arsenal blew away Lens in the first half, scoring five times in the first half, with four of them coming in the opening 30 minutes. It felt like the Arsenal of last season had walked onto to the pitch, with their usual fast-paced start returning in emphatic fashion. The French club had no response, with their Champions League future up in the air. The Gunners stroll through as group winners, with rival clubs for sure taking notice of tonight’s performance.
