UCL: Arteta hails French side after defeat, Man United makes unwanted record

Arsenal encountered an unexpected 2-1 defeat at French side RC Lens on Tuesday in their second UEFA Champions League group-stage clash. The Gunners were favorites going into the match after winning their first game with a 4-0 scoreline against PSV at the Emirates Stadium a fortnight ago.

The Gunners looked on course for another win on Tuesday when Gabriel Jesus pounced on a defensive mistake to open the scoring for Arsenal in the 14th minute of the first half, and eleven minutes later, it was the turn Of the hosts to take advantage of Arsenal’s defensive mistake to draw level.

The win was secured for the hosts in the second half when Elye Wahi sealed the win with 21 minutes left on the clock. Arsenal’s next games include a home tie against Manchester City this weekend before a London derby with Chelsea after the international break, while their next UEFA Champions League fixture will be against Sevilla in Spain on the 24th of October.

“They are a really good side, exceptional opponent. We took the lead, and then, in one action, they managed to score. We had a big chance straight after the break. In many occasions, we attacked the space – but it was [decided] in the boxes. We missed some big chances and didn’t defend well enough for their goals. It was a big night for us. We weren’t able to get the result we wanted, but we were able to learn.” Arteta said.

At Old Trafford, Manchester United played Galatasaray for their second Champions League group-stage match with the hopes of winning for the first time after the 4-3 loss to Bayern Munich in their opening game.

Galatasaray had not won a Champions League away game in the last 10 years. Manchester United took the lead through Rasmus Hojlund, but former United player Wilfred Zaha equalized in the first half.

Rasmus Hojlund secured his brace in the 67th minute before Galatasaray enjoyed the final twenty minutes, scoring twice and losing a penalty.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu