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| Elye Wahi Shines as Lens Stages Thrilling Comeback to Stun Arsenal in the Champions League |
Wahi's inaugural finish, finding the bottom-left corner, came as a result of a pinpoint Przemyslaw Frankowski cross in the 69th minute, securing a memorable victory for the home team.
Arsenal, performing below par, endured early pressure from Lens. However, their vulnerability was exposed when Gabriel Jesus capitalized on a through-ball from Bukayo Saka in the 14th minute to net the opening goal. Unfortunately, Saka was forced off the pitch due to a muscular issue just 33 minutes into the game.
Lens responded swiftly, with Adrien Thomasson curling a magnificent shot into the far corner, leveling the score 11 minutes later.
The night proved challenging for Arsenal as they suffered their first defeat of the season. The setback was compounded by Saka's injury, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming Premier League clash against Manchester City.
Lens, on the other hand, deservedly claimed victory, propelling them to the top of Group B with four points, while Mikel Arteta's side settled for second place with three points.
The hosts exhibited their intent from the outset, with Kevin Danso narrowly missing the target, and Thomasson's header coming close, albeit flagged offside.
Gabriel Jesus' goal into the bottom-left corner failed to dampen the spirits of the home crowd, who relished their first Champions League game at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis since 2002. Remarkably, the Brazilian striker has been involved in 16 goals in his last 16 Champions League starts, scoring 13 and providing three assists.
Lens capitalized on a poor clearance by Arsenal's goalkeeper, David Raya, which led to their equalizer. Wahi, a summer signing from Montpellier, showcased his skill by controlling a long ball expertly and setting up Thomasson for the goal.
Gabriel's defensive lapse also allowed Lens to create an opportunity, with Salis Abdul Samed's well-struck effort narrowly missing the target.
The youngest Frenchman to both score and assist in a Champions League match since Kylian Mbappe in December 2018, 20-year-old Wahi had the final word as he calmly slotted home the winning goal.
For Arsenal, it was a night to forget, marked by defensive lapses and a lack of clear-cut chances. Lens goalkeeper Brice Samba made a crucial save to deny Takehiro Tomiyasu from a Gunners corner, but Arsenal failed to consistently test him.
Arsenal's path to redemption in the Champions League will require them to bounce back when they face Sevilla in three weeks. Meanwhile, Lens will host PSV.
The most significant concern for Arsenal remains the departure of Saka, who was doubtful for the game but started before being substituted in the 76th minute. Saka displayed his quality by providing the assist for Jesus' goal, becoming the first player to record five goals and five assists in all competitions this season among teams in Europe's top five leagues.
Although Arteta expressed no regrets about his decision to play Saka, questions may arise about the risk taken, especially if Saka is unavailable when champions City visit the Emirates on Sunday.
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