French side Lens marked their first Champions Leage home game in over two decades with a memorable win as they stunned Arsenal 2-1. The loss was also the first one Mikel Arteta’s Gunners have suffered in the current 23-24 season.
Arsenal made two changes, with Tomiyasu and Leandro Trossard inducted into the starting XI and Ben White dropping to the bench. They took the lead on 14 minutes through Gabriel Jesus, with the Gunners capitalizing on a Lens error in midfield.
A stunning finish from Adrien Thomasson 11 minutes later put Lens level, with Arsenal keeper David Raya’s poor clearance helping the French side equalise.
Arsenal created more chances with Trossard and Tomiyasu both coming the closest to scoring after the interval, but neither could find the back of the net. Lens however went ahead against the run of play with another delightful finish midway through the second half, this time from Elye Wahi.
The Ligue 1 outfit, who finished second behind PSG, held on for a famous win, and now top the group after two matchdays. Arsenal, who also lost Bukayo Saka to injury, will now have to pick themselves up for a big clash against reigning PL champions Manchester City this weekend.
