Get ready for an epic Champions League night as Lens host Arsenal ! After 6 long years away, the Gunners are finally back on Europe's biggest stage. The famous Emirates Stadium will be absolutely rocking for Arsenal's big return to the competition they've missed so much.

The last time Arsenal played in the Champions League, superstars like Ozil and Sanchez were still at the club. Now with Arteta as manager, Arsenal have a hungry young team eager to make their mark in Europe. Beating PSV Eindhoven 4-0 last time out was the perfect start.

Meanwhile, Lens aren't a regular name in the Champions League. But the tricky French team qualified through their second place Ligue 1 finish last season. Don't expect them to be scared of mighty Arsenal. Lens have some very dangerous attacking players like Sotoca who can cause problems.

Arsenal vs Lens

The match will take place on Wednesday, 4th October, 2023, at Stade Bollaert-Delelis

Arsenal Announce Champions League Return with Statement Win

After six long years away, Arsenal finally returned to the bright lights of Champions League night at their beloved Emirates Stadium. The players and fans alike had eagerly awaited this moment after conquering the Europa League last season.

The atmosphere was absolutely buzzing with energy as the world famous Champions League anthem rang out in North London once again. This was a triumphant homecoming for Arsenal.

Six Year Wait Finally Over

While the Gunners have shown real progress under Arteta, the next step is converting that to tangible success. Getting back in the Champions League would prove they are headed in the right direction.

But Arsenal's proud history demands major trophies as the true barometer of success. This squad has both the talent and mentality to achieve something special both domestically and in Europe.

Flying Start Sets Tone

Eager to make an immediate impact, Arsenal came flying out of the traps against PSV Eindhoven. The Gunners moved the ball around crisply and aggressively attacked the Dutch visitors right from kickoff.

Just 8 minutes in, Bukayo Saka reacted quickest to smash home the opener after the PSV keeper spilled it. It was the perfect start on Arsenal's big European return.

Slick Attacking Performance

With the early goal lifting both players and fans, Arsenal never looked back. Their attacking play was fast, slick, and utterly relentless against an overwhelmed PSV.

The brilliant front three of Saka, new signing Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus combined to devastating effect all match long. It was a dazzling attacking clinic from the Gunners.

Comprehensive Scoreline Justified

In the end, Arsenal's 4-0 demolition was well deserved. PSV had no answers for Arsenal's speed, energy and clinical finishing in the final third.

The Emirates crowd revealed every goal as they celebrated their team's return to elite European competition in style. This result put the rest of the Champions League on alert.

Time to Translate Progress into Trophies

While the Gunners have shown real progress under Arteta, the next step is converting that to tangible success. Getting back in the Champions League would prove they are headed in the right direction.

But Arsenal's proud history demands major trophies as the true barometer of success. This squad has both the talent and mentality to achieve something special both domestically and in Europe.

Statement Sent to European Rivals

Completely dominating PSV in such fashion sent a real message to Arsenal's Champions League competitors. The Gunners are back, and back with a vengeance.

With their attacking talent now enhanced by the summer additions of Zinchenko and Trossard, Arsenal have the look of serious contenders this season. An unforgettable European return for the Gunners.

Lens Battle Hard but Settling for Draw in Seville

French upstarts Lens arrived in Spain hoping to translate their fearless Ligue 1 displays onto the Champions League stage against storied Spanish club Sevilla.

The bold French side started brightly, passing the ball around neatly and pressing Sevilla high up the field. This positive start gave them confidence on their big European night.

Promising Start Fades for Lens

But Lens were rocked when Sevilla grabbed an early lead against the run of play from a corner kick. After a dominant opening, suddenly Lens trailed their esteemed hosts.

Strong Response Earns Deserved Equalizer

To their credit, plucky Lens refused to let their heads drop after falling behind. Showing great spirit, they continued taking the game to intimidating Sevilla.

The brave endeavor paid off when Angelo Fulgini smashed home a bullet header from a pinpoint cross. It was no less than Lens deserved for their ambitious attacking efforts.

Hard Earned Away Point Fair Result

Try as they might, Lens couldn't find the crucial second goal to earn a famous victory in Spain. But manager Franck Haise will be proud of their performance.

Competing so bravely with one of La Liga's top clubs shows Lens warrant respect in their debut Champions League campaign. This draw provides a solid platform going forward.

Predicted Lineups

Arsenal: Aaron Ramsdale; William Saliba, Ben White, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu; Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus.

Lens: Samba; Gradit, Danso, Medina; Aguilar, Abdul Samed, Diouf, Frankowski; Sotoca, Thomasson; Said

Key Battles

When these two creative teams face off, it promises to be a wide open thriller. For Arsenal, their amazing trio of Saka, new signing Trossard, and striker Gabriel Jesus have the pace and flair to tear apart any defense. If they click like against PSV, Lens will really struggle.

But at the back, Arsenal's defense can still be vulnerable against speedy counter attacks. Lens will try to use their wings to hit Arsenal on the break. So Arsenal may need to pick their attacking moments carefully.

Conclusion

The Emirates crowd will be Arsenal's 12th man as they cheer on their team's long-awaited European return. If Arsenal can match their intensity from the PSV hammering, they should celebrate another vital 3 points. But Lens are no pushovers and have the tools to shock Arsenal if the Gunners lose focus.

No matter what happens, we're in for a blockbuster European clash in London! For Arsenal, this is only the start of their journey back to the Champions League elite.