Despite clearly not being at their scintillating best so far this season, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have yielded a fine start to the campaign in their first 10 encounters, boasting 8 wins and 2 draws (Community Shield included) in all competitions. As they headed to France for their second test of the UEFA Champions League they were the only Premier League side still unbeaten in all competitions so far this season.
That record was to be tested by RC Lens. The side from northern France had a fantastic season during the 22/23 campaign where they finished 2nd in Ligue 1, eventually just one point behind winners PSG. However, the summer transfer window proved difficult. As star players Lois Openda and Seko Fofana left the club to join Al-Nassr and RB Leipzig respectively, and their absence within the Lens lineup has been felt with the club struggling so far this season in the French top tier. Currently sitting in a midtable spot in ligue 1.
Despite their early struggles, Arsenal and Arteta knew they’d be entering a hostile atmposphere. And with the stadium rocking at kick-off, the home side started well. However. Arsenal would find the lead when Bukayo Saka capitalised on a defensive mistake from Lens, his pass found Gabriel Jesus who clinically finished into the bottom corner to give Arsenal the lead away in France. Soon after it could have been two for Arsenal as a lofted pass over the top of the Lens defence from Oleksandr Zinchenko found Kai Havertz who’s volleyed effort was saved by Lens goalkeeper and captain Brice Samba.
Lens continued to pressure the Arsenal backline and they got their reward as a David Raya kick was intercepted, striker Elye Wahi touched the ball down to Adrien Thomasson who finished well into the far corner to level the scoring going into the break. But more bad news came for Arsenal as Bukayo Saka went down off the ball with discomfort in his leg. Arteta opted to take him off straight away for Fabio Vieira and here’s hoping Saka is ok to play against Manchester City. The referee blew his whistle soon after putting a half of football where Arsenal had mostly struggled to an end.
The second half started with a similarly low intensity, but that didn’t stop Arsenal from almost retaking the lead in the opening minutes following the interval. Leandro Trossard cut inside with the ball at his feet in the Lens penalty area however his effort was tame and comfotably saved by Samba. Later in the half Arsenal probably should have scored again as a corner from Trossard was met by Takehiro Tomiaysu who’s first-time volley was again saved by Samba for Lens.
After that Tomiyasu chance, Lens started to slowly gain more and more control of the contest, and they got their reward when Elye Wahi pounced to give his side the lead sparking wild celebrations at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. As a response ot the second Lens goal, Mikel Arteta made three changes brining on Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson. However, these changes failed to result in Arsenal getting themselves back into the game and Lens held on to inflict Arsenal with their first loss of the season.
Mikel Arteta will be hoping to bounce back as his side returns to Premier League action with a huge clash against Champions Manchester City.