Terrible night for Arsenal: Saka injured and a loss at Lens

Arsenal failed in their first away game after returning to the Champions League, losing 1: 2 at Lens.The Gunners started with the A-team, but Bukayo Saka had to make a substitution in the first half. His start against the Citizens is in jeopardy.

The hungry home side started more actively, a dangerous shot was sent in by stopper Kevin Danso in the fourth minute and just missed the right post by inches. Four minutes later, a header flew just wide of the left post.

The Gunners punished their opponents’ first hesitation, then Gabriel Jesus headed accurately from the edge of the box. Summer signing Kai Havertz got on the end of a cross in the 20th minute, but the home goalkeeper made an excellent save.

On the other side, Adrien Thomasson scored from a volley to complete a neat team combination. In the rest of the first half it was worth mentioning the injury of Bukay Saka, who had to be substituted.

Jesus missed another decent chance and the game was tied 1-1. After the change of sides, Arsenal failed to take advantage of an overlap, and Leandro Trossard’s shot was blocked by the Lens defence.

Salis Abdul Samed could have taken the lead, but the combination ended only in the side netting. In the 67th minute, goalkeeper Brice Samba was brilliant when he saved Takehir Tomiyas’ reflex save.

And then the shock! Elye Wahi finished a quick counter-attack to the left post and the underdog took the lead. Arsenal couldn’t get any pressure on the ball, only Emil Smith-Rowe’s attempt was dangerous, but it was just wide of the target.

In the end, Arsenal did not take advantage of pressure or standard situations and left France without a point. They are second in the table, one point behind Lens and one point ahead of third-placed Sevilla, who drew with PSV Eindhoven.

Source: Nova Sport 4