Arsenal player ratings vs RC Lens: Takehiro Tomiyasu shines in tandem with electric Bukayo Saka

Gunners full-back makes his case for more prominent role in big win
Arsenal FC v RC Lens: Group B - UEFA Champions League 2023/24
Takehiro Tomiyasu was a star performer vs RC Lens
Getty Images
Dan Kilpatrick @Dan_KP30 November 2023

Arsenal booked their place in the Champions League last-16 as group winners with a statement 6-0 thrashing of RC Lens at the Emirates Stadium.

Each of Mikel Arteta's front five - Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard - scored in a rampant first-half display.

Arsenal continued to press in the second half and added a late sixth from the penalty spot through sub Jorginho when Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov was judged to have handled in the box.

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

David Raya 7

Mostly quiet but sharp on the rare occasions he was called into action and his kicking was on point.

Finished the first half with two outstanding assists, a raking pass for Martinelli's solo goal and an excellent cross to set up Odegaard. Overlapped with real menace down the right but was withdrawn at the interval.

William Saliba 8

Well protected by Declan Rice but dealt well with the promising Elye Wahi when necessary and used the ball well.

Gabriel 7

Played out nicely but relatively untested by a Lens side who spent most of the game frantically defending.

Oleksandr Zinchenko 7

Helped Arsenal to control the midfield and run the game in the first half. Hooked at the interval as Arteta switched up his full-backs.

Declan Rice 9

The platform for a thumping victory. Won the ball back over and over again, and used it well. Often looked to drive Arsenal forward with searching passes or surging runs.

Kai Havertz 8

Reacted quickly to open the scoring, moments after planting a header just wide, and was bright on the ball. He nearly got an eye-catching assist for Odegaard. Goals in consecutive games suggest he is starting to come good.

Martin Odegaard 8

Took his goal - Arsenal's fifth - superbly and was unlucky not to score another in the second half. The team's creative hub in an exhilarating attacking display.

Bukayo Saka 9

Electric. Got lucky for his goal but made the second with a dart inside and was the instigator for the fifth with a brilliant burst. Has taken to his competition remarkably.

Gabriel Jesus 8

Created the opening goal with a deft header and scored a coolly-taken second in a decisive centre-forward's display.

Gabriel Martinelli 9

His individual goal may have been the pick of the lot and he was full of poise and menace all night. Like Saka, it is notable how at home he looks in the Champions League.

Substitutes

Ben White (Tomiyasu 45') 7

Got forward whenever he could and came close to scoring with a header just over the bar.

Jakob Kiwior (Zinchenko 45') 6

Composed and tidy at left-back, without being adventurous.

Reiss Nelson (Saka 66') 6

Lively but could not make a telling impact in the final third.

Jorginho (Rice 75') 7

Composed from the penalty spot to add a sixth and kept the ball well as Arsenal saw out a commanding victory.

Eddie Nketiah (Jesus 82') 6

Could not add to the scoreline in a late cameo.

Not used: Ramsdale, Hein, Cedric, Leandro, Elneny, Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri.

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