Arsenal s Martin Odegaard celebrates with teammates after scoring his side s fifth goal during the Champions League Group B soccer match between Arsenal and Lens, at Emirates stadium, in London, Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023. (AP Photo)
Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard — Arsenal’s quintet of attacking players — scored at Emirates Stadium as Arsenal became the first English club to lead by five goals at halftime of a Champions League match.
Jorginho converted a penalty in the 86th minute to round off the scoring for a team that has struggled for attacking fluency in the Premier League this season, despite being in first place.
Arsenal’s return to Europe’s elite competition after a six-year absence has been a successful one.
Mikel Arteta’s team has advanced with one game to spare and has the advantage of a second-leg match at home in the last 16.
Lens stayed in third place in Group B and needs just a draw at home to Sevilla in two weeks to finish in that position and seal a place in the Europa League's playoff round.
Arsenal wraps up its group-stage campaign at PSV Eindhoven, which is assured of second place.
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