(Football news) With a 6-0 thumping of Lens, Mikel Arteta’s team topped their European group, and Gary O’Neil’s team had a few days to mull over a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Fulham, in which the VAR scandal raised its ugly head once more.
Go back to October 3, the day Arsenal lost their first match of the season in any tournament when their lively forwards were stifled by a resolute Lens defense at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. However, on Wednesday night, retaliation was best served with six goals.
Many of their Premier League rivals play in a low block and try to stifle Arteta’s men for the majority of the game; however, Lens consistently created space for the Gunners to exploit, and the rampant North London crop took full advantage, scoring five goals in a ruthless first-half thrashing.
While Arsenal’s first-place standing in Europe is secure, their place at the top of the Premier League is not, Arteta normally refrained from getting too carried away in the heat of the moment. 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.
Arsenal defeated Brentford 1-0 in a thrilling match to take the top spot in the English Premier League. Arteta’s team is close to beating Manchester City, Liverpool, and Aston Villa, and they have the best defensive record in the division with just 10 goals allowed. Prior to drawing first blood against Lens, Havertz’s first goal from open play in 31 games drove Arsenal to victory.
After defeating Lens by six goals, the Premier League leaders have now won four straight games in all competitions. They are also unbeaten at home in 2023–24 and have not lost to Wolves in 1979. They may now tie the club record for most goals scored in 32 games against a single opponent.
The traditional small talk between Arteta and O’Neil will come before ninety minutes during which neither manager will be the other’s friend. However, the two head coaches might pause to vent about their recent officiating frustrations following Wolves’ defeat at Craven Cottage on Monday due to more controversial choices.
A pair of penalties from former Arsenal player Willian, including one late in injury time, proved telling when referee Michael Salisbury pointed to the spot three times in the second half. However, a distraught O’Neil was reportedly informed after the game that up to three decisions to go against his side were incorrect.
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