Lens defeated Arsenal 2-1 in the Champions League, as Mikel Arteta was again concerned about the fitness of star winger Bukayo Saka.
The Gunners absorbed early pressure at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis before Gabriel Jesus found a clinical 14th-minute finish on the end of Saka’s pass.
Adrien Thomasson gave up possession on that attack but more than made up for it with a spectacular finish from Wahi’s lay-off just before the half-hour mark.
Soon after, Saka pulled out with an apparent thigh injury and hobbled off to be replaced by Fabio Vieira.
After halftime, Leandro Trossard and Takehiro Tomiyasu both came close, but Lens took the lead through Elya Wahi, who smashed Przemyslaw Frankowski’s low cross past David Raya.
After 21 years away from the Champions League, Franck Haise’s team dug in bravely to secure a merited three points.
Arsenal‘s setback and questions about Saka’s fitness made this a poor preparation for their match against Manchester City this weekend.
