Arsenal 6-0 Lens: “Today was the day to get it done,” says happy Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal secured their spot in the UEFA Champions League knockout stage as group leaders with a commanding victory over Lens at the Emirates Stadium.
In a remarkable first-half performance, the Gunners netted five goals, marking their return to the competition after a seven-year absence with an impressive entry into the last 16.
Mikel Arteta to TNT Sports: “Today was the day to get it done.
“We did it in a beautiful way. We scored five goals against a really good side [in the first half].
“You can become really sloppy. And there were parts of the second half with different behaviours but we stayed really focused.”
Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Odegaard all found the net in the opening half, and Jorginho later sealed the win with a late penalty.
Arteta on taking an early lead: “They have to come out. We used the spaces really well.”
Having topped Group B, Arsenal advances to the next stage alongside PSV Eindhoven, while Lens bows out of the competition.
Arteta onn winning the group with a game to spare: “It’s great because the schedule we have at the moment is crazy. We’re already thinking about Wolves in 72 hours.
“We have to demand more from each other. We’ll have to be well prepared for Wolves.”
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Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka to TNT Sports: “Everyone is really happy.”
“It’s our first time back in the Champions League for a while and we’ve qualified with a game to go.
“When we first looked at our group we wanted to finish top. We’ve done that so can be proud.
“The boss is already reminding us to just enjoy a little bit and then focus on Wolves on Saturday.
“I try to be myself but when you cross the white line, it’s you against your opponent. I try my best to be better than him. Whatever I have to do to win, I do it.
“Not really [happy at coming off], I wanted to play 90 minutes. I understand his decision. Now I’m focused on Wolves, I want to do my best in that game.
“I’ll never forget that day [his debut five years ago]. It was a cold day like this. I’ve gone through a lot on and off the pitch since then.”
Arsenal 6-0 Lens: “Today was the day to get it done” . Are you impressed with Arsenal’s performance so far…
