November 30, (THEWILL) – Arsenal stylishly sealed their place in the UEFA Champions League knockout stages, thrashing French club Lens 6-0 at the Emirates Stadium to finish top of Group B. The dominant display came after PSV Eindhoven’s comeback win over Sevilla guaranteed Arsenal’s progression regardless.
The English Premier League table-toppers exploded into action from kick-off, netting four first-half goals through Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli in the first 27 minutes. Captain Martin Odegaard added a sublime fifth before the break to make Arsenal the first-ever English team to score five UCL goals in the first half.
Substitute Jorginho completed the scoring late on with a penalty after a handball was given via VAR. The emphatic victory secures Arsenal first place in Group B with a game to spare. Manager Mikel Arteta can now rotate his squad for the final group match amid a hectic December domestic schedule that could shape their EPL title ambitions.
The game was marred slightly by Lens fans throwing a lit flare into the home end after Arsenal’s third goal. But Lens posed little threat, with their best chance a wayward long shot hitting the post. Arsenal remain unbeaten since losing the reverse fixture in France in October.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
