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Arsenal made a slow start to their Champions League clash away to RC Lens until Gabriel Jesus put the visitors in front. Summer target Elye Wahi, who joined Lens from Montpellier, was looking lively in attack with the French outfit also having the first clear cut chance of the game courtesy of Kevin Danso who had a shot that went narrowly past David Raya's post.
Possession for the Gunners appeared hard to come by but a mistake in the Lens backline allowed Arsenal to capitalise. Facundo Medina's pass failed to reach its target and was thus intercepted high up the pitch by Bukayo Saka who then sent a quick pass into the advancing Jesus, and with one touch used to create space, hit the ball back across goal and into the far corner.
Arsenal's poor start was soon forgotten about and the finish from Jesus was certainly a message to Arteta he can be the main source of goals. Upon celebrating, William Saliba appeared to hold that belief as well with the French defender sending a firm point in the direction of Jesus with a triumphant look on his face.
The Gunners have been linked with a January move for Brentford star Ivan Toney, with London rivals Chelsea also expected to compete for his signature. It was also revealed recently that Mikel Arteta and Edu had planned to make a move for Toney this past summer until his ban for betting breaches was announced with Toney to miss eight months of action from May which will see him return in the first month of 2024.
However, with goals like that, Jesus is sending the exact message Arteta will want to see especially given he has struggled with a knee issue since his move from Manchester City in 2022. The Champions League strike was the 26-year-old's second goal of the season and Arteta will be hoping there is much more to come from him this season and potentially in the game.
READ MORE: RC Lens vs Arsenal LIVE - Gabriel Jesus grabs the lead after early misses from Ligue 1 side
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11 minutes after Jesus' goal, Lens equalised after a mistake playing out from the back by David Raya which saw Wahi set up Adrien Thomasson to fire home expertly from close range. Wahi then won the game for Lens in the second half, as Arsenal pushed on for a leveller but were denied by resolute defending from the Ligue 1 side.
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