Arsenal player ratings vs Lens: Martin Odegaard flat as Leandro Trossard fades in Champions League upset

Tough night: Martin Odegaard and Leandro Trossard were among Arsenal’s worst players against Lens in France
REUTERS
Dan Kilpatrick @Dan_KP3 October 2023

Arsenal went down 2-1 to Ligue 1 struggles Lens on a difficult Champions League night for manager Mikel Arteta.

Gabriel Jesus fired the visitors in front after 14 minutes but they were pegged back by a fine strike by Adrien Thomasson.

Bukayo Saka was forced off injured before the interval and Lens deservedly won it in the second half through young forward Elye Wahi's cool finish.

Here's how we rated the Arsenal players in France...

David Raya 4

At fault for the first Lens goal when his poor kick towards Tomiyasu was intercepted, and powerless to stop the winner. Commanded his area well against a succession of Lens crosses.

Takehiro Tomiyasu 5

Had a glorious chance to make it 2-1 but his well-hit volley was straight at the goalkeeper when he should probably have scored.

William Saliba 5

Was dragged out of position for the first Lens goal when holding it would have been more effective.

Gabriel 6

Had a chance to score from a corner shortly before Lens took the lead. Did okay defensively.

Oleksandr Zinchenko 5

Where was he for the winning goal, which came down his flank? Some of his passing was impressive, including balls to create chances for Havertz and Trossard in the first half.

Declan Rice 5

Was the closest player to the scorers for both Lens goals. Struggled to shield the defence effectively but needed more help in the middle.

Set-pieces were dangerous, including a corner for Tomiyasu's chance, but could not rouse Arsenal in a flat performance and was easily missed.

Kai Havertz 5

Volleyed straight at the goalkeeper in a good position but should have had an assist with a cute pass for Trossard.

Bukayo Saka 7

Lively and made Arsenal's goal with an interception and pass to Jesus. Forced off injured for the third game running, a huge concern ahead of Manchester City's visit.

Gabriel Jesus 7

Dropped a shoulder and finished superbly to give Arsenal the lead. Fed off scraps for the rest of the match.

Leandro Trossard 4

Might have done better from close range but his shot was tame and easily saved. Faded and replaced.

Subs

Fabio Vieira (Saka 34') 5

Failed to offer anything like the thrust of Saka and Arsenal faded once the England winger went off.

Reiss Nelson (Trossard 70') 6

A lively cameo on the wing. Forced a save from the goalkeeper when he might have scored in the box.

Emile Smith Rowe (Havertz 70') 6

Fired a late effort at the goalkeeper as Arsenal pushed for a goal.

Ben White (Zinchenko 71') 6

Pushed high as Arsenal searched for an equaliser but did not see much of the ball.

Eddie Nketiah (Odegaard 80') 6

Created a late chance for Nelson to equalise.

Subs not used: Ramsdale, Partey, Kiwior, Soares, Jorghino, Elneny, Hein.

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