Lens forward Elye Wahi mesmerized spectators and crushed Arsenal 2-1 in the flamboyant return of Europe’s top club competition to their turf on Tuesday. Wahi, a 20-year-old talent who recently joined from Montpellier, set up Adrien Thomasson for the equalizer before scoring the winning goal in the 69th minute, igniting a wild celebration at the Bollaert-Delelis stadium.
The victory propelled Lens to the top of Champions League Group B with four points from two games, leaving Arsenal behind with their first defeat in 10 group stage matches. Sevilla currently sits in second place with two points, narrowly ahead of PSV Eindhoven after their 1-1 draw in the Netherlands.
“Beating Arsenal in the Champions League will surely stay in our memories,” said Lens coach Franck Haise during a press conference. He commended the young player Wahi, stating, “He’s making big strides since joining us just a month and a half ago.”
Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta reflected on the loss, highlighting the difference in performance compared to their 4-0 win against PSV. He acknowledged missed opportunities in the second half and admitted, “We took a big lesson today.”
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Lens, playing their first Champions League home game in 21 years, delighted the sold-out crowd of 38,000 as they continued their resurgence after a lackluster start to the season. The team has now scored in 33 consecutive home games in all European competitions since their clash against Arsenal in the 1998-99 Champions League group stage.
The match began with Lens creating early opportunities, but it was Arsenal who capitalized on their first mistake. Saka stole the ball from Thomasson in midfield and set up Jesus for a 14th-minute goal. However, Thomasson redeemed himself with a stunning equalizer in the 25th minute, curling the ball beautifully into the far corner.
Arsenal suffered a blow with Saka’s early injury substitution, replacing him with Fabio Vieira. Both goalkeepers, Samba and Raya, made crucial saves to keep the scoreline level in the second half. Ultimately, it was Wahi who sealed the victory for Lens, expertly finishing Frankowski’s cross and putting the ball in the bottom corner.
In their final chance of the night, Arsenal failed to find the net through Reiss Nelson.
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