Flash back to October 3, where Arsenal’s effervescent attackers were quelled by a stingy Lens backline at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis as
they suffered their first defeat of the season in any competition, but revenge was a dish best served with six goals on Wednesday evening.
Unlike many of their Premier League counterparts, who operate in a low block and spend the majority of the game trying to stifle Arteta’s men, Lens
continuously left space for the Gunners to exploit, and the rampant North London crop took full advantage with five goals in a merciless first-half mauling.
A Jorginho penalty for good measure ensured that Arsenal would put their ball in the pot for the last-16 draw as Group B winners, but Arteta typically refused to get
too carried away in the moment, as while the Gunners’ first-placed ranking in Europe is safe, their position at the Premier League summit is not.
Prior to drawing first blood against Lens, Kai Havertz’s first goal from open play in 31 games saw Arsenal rise to top spot in the English top flight with a nail-biting 1-0 win over local foes
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Brentford, but Manchester City, Liverpool and Aston Villa are all within touching distance of Arteta’s troops, who boast the best defensive record in the division with a mere 10 strikes conceded.
The six-goal obliteration of Lens marked a fourth triumph in a row across all competitions for the Premier League leaders, who are yet to suffer a single defeat
at their Emirates fortress in 2023-24 and could now equal a club record of scoring in 32 games versus a single opponent, having not been shut out by Wolves since 1979.
