ARSENAL proved themselves to be a class apart as they thumped six past Lens.
The Gunners knew they needed to win tonight to confirm their place as top dogs in Group B of the Champions League after PSV’s comeback win over Sevilla earlier in the evening.
GettyKai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus were both on target for Arsenal this evening[/caption]
GettyMartin Odegaard netted a stunning fifth to seal the deal before half time[/caption]
After a 2-1 defeat to the French side in the reverse fixture the Gunners wanted to make amends in front of their own fans.
And that they certainly did with an emphatic 5-0 win at the Emirates.
Kai Havertz got the party started in the same manner he ended the Brentford game.
He was then joined by the remainder of the attacking cohort, with Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli all scoring within six minutes of one another.
Martin Odegaard bagged a clinical fifth on the stroke of half-time to rubber stamp their place as leaders of the group with a game to spare.
The second half was more low key as Arsenal saw out the result with Jorginho adding a sixth from the penalty spot.
Here is how SunSport rated the Gunners performance tonight.
David Raya – 6
Must have been frozen stiff standing still for so long on a chilly night.
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But was beaten once when Lens hit the post in the first half.
Takehiro Tomiyasu – 7
The throw ins are pub level but his crosses are hotter than on any bun.
Two led to two goals so much have enjoyed pouring forwards at every opportunity.
William Saliba – 6
A relatively trouble free 90 minutes.
Would have had a tougher examination against a Championship side. And not even one of the best ones.
Gabriel – 6
Found Declan Rice with virtually every forward pass.
But it helps a lot when the opposition don’t have anybody trying to stop you.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 6
Hardly involved as what little threat losers Lens could muster came down their left flank, so Arsenal’s right.
The Ukrainian was subbed at half time and replaced by Jakub Kiwior.
Declan Rice – 7
Poised to enter new territory in the knockout stage of the Champions League.
This is why he joined a club like Arsenal. And he looks more than comfortable at this level.
Martin Odegaard – 6
Skipper got on the scoresheet and steadied the ship through the middle in conjunction with Rice.
Always fully committed.
Kai Havertz – 8
The winner at Brentford on Saturday has boosted confidence no end.
Headed just wide early in the 11th minute and scored a scrappy one barely 60 seconds later.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Picked up a couple of knocks to take the shine off his goal that sealed victory after less than 25 minutes.
But with his team so on top, he would not have felt any pain.
Gabriel Jesus – 7
First goal since the end of October will be a welcome gift after time out with injury.
Looks happy to be back and Arsenal will need him with Christmas fixtures looming.
Gabriel Martinelli – 7
Classy goal, showing pace and skill. Celebrations in front of the militant Lens fans helped gee up the atmosphere too.
Good player to watch.
Subs:
Ben White (Tomiyasu 46 mins) – 6
Ditched the peroxide hair and looks a better player for it. Almost scored.
Jakub Kiwior (Zinchenko 46 mins) – 6
Appropriate that a Pole came on given the Arctic-like temperature. Assured.
Reiss Nelson (Saka 66 mins) – 6
A rare runout for the wideman who has to live in Bukayo Saka’s shadow. Can’t be easy that.
Jorginho (Rice 75 mins) – 6
Only on for 15 minutes and got his name on the scoresheet by tucking away a penalty for number six.
Eddie Nketiah (Jesus 82 mins) – 6
Easing Jesus back in after injury is a wise move.
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