UCL: Gunners gunned down in Lens

Last season, Lens was the biggest surprise in Ligue 1. They finished second, just one point below the wealthy and strong PSG, and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry said that for him, coach Franck Haise is the best strategist in France. When stronger (Leipzig) and wealthier clubs (Al Nassr) 'attacked' Lens in June, they had to sell their best striker Louis Openda to the Germans (38 million euros) and captain and best midfelder Seko Fofana to the Saudies (25 million). A great shock for such a small team, and the season started badly. But Haise again managed to assemble a worthy squad, brought in striker Elye Wahi and Andy Diouf in midfield, and kept the combat spirit. Turns out, enough to come from behind and defeat mighty Arsenal 2-1.

Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the season. Few could have expected that after the strong start of the Champions League (4:0) against PSV and the convincing celebration at the visit of Bournemouth (4:0) in the previous round of the Premier League. And maybe this 1:2 in the collision with Lens is not so much a problem as the fact that Mikel Arteta had to pull Bukayo Saka from the field after half an hour. The England international had previously set up a goal for Gabriel Jesus, but left the pitch clutching a thigh muscle, suggesting he could miss Sunday's derby with Manchester City. And he is the best player of the team, which was also seen in France, because as soon as the winger was replaced, the Gunners stopped. The home team replied with a strong performance and with two goals with saw the stadium erupted after the final whistle, as Lens celebrate a win in their first Champions League home game in more than 20 years.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 2

Tuesday

Union Berlin - Braga 2-3(2-1)

/Becker 30, 37 - Niakate 41, Bruma 51, Castro 90+3/

Salzburg - Sociedad 0-2 (0-2)

/Oyarzabal 7, Mendez 27/

Copenhagen - Bayern 1-2 (0-0)

/Lerager 55 - Musiala 67, Tel 83/

Man.Utd. - Galatasaray 2-3 (1-1)

/Hojlund 17, 67 - Zaha 23, Akturkoglu 72, Icardi 81/

Lens - Arsenal 2-1 (1-1)

/Thomasson 25, Wahi 69 - Jesus 14/

PSV - Sevilla 2-2 (0-0)

Napoli - Real Madrid 2-3 (1-2)

/Ostigard 19, Zielinski 54(p) - Vinicius 27, Bellingham 34, Meret 78/

Inter - Benfica 1-0 (0-0)

/Thuram 62/