On a night that highlighted both tactical and physical vulnerabilities, Arsenal lost 2-1 to French side RC Lens in a decisive Champions League match.

The defeat was further marred by the injury to key winger Bukayo Saka, deepening concerns for the team as they face Manchester City this weekend.

LENS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 03: Takehiro Tomiyasu of Arsenal holds off pressure from Salis Abdul Samed of Lens during the UEFA Champions League match between RC Lens and Arsenal FC at Stade Bollaert-Delelis on October 03, 2023 in Lens, France. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LENS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 03: Takehiro Tomiyasu of Arsenal holds off pressure from Salis Abdul Samed of Lens during the UEFA Champions League match between RC Lens and Arsenal FC at Stade Bollaert-Delelis on October 03, 2023 in Lens, France. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

The match took a decisive turn midway through the second half. Locked at 1-1, Martin Odegaard delivered a corner that found Takehiro Tomiyasu in the penalty area.

Tomiyasu’s well-struck shot was saved by Lens’ goalkeeper Brice Samba. Within three minutes, RC Lens capitalised on the missed opportunity, scoring what turned out to be the decisive goal.

Takehiro Tomiyasu reflected on the match and the missed chance in his post-match interview. “Obviously it’s difficult to take because we could have taken three points, but we lost three points, so I am so disappointed with the result,” he said.

Regarding the atmosphere and the occasion, Tomiyasu noted, “We knew that it wouldn’t be an easy game for us. We created a lot of chances but we couldn’t score. Also for me I had a big opportunity to score, but I couldn’t score, so yeah I am so disappointed and it has to be a goal.”

Lens' French forward #09 Elye Wahi (R) fights for the ball with Arsenal's Japanese defender #18 Takehiro Tomiyasu during the UEFA Champions League Group B first leg football match between RC Lens and Arsenal FC at the Bollaert Stadium in Lens, northern France, on October 3, 2023. (Photo by SAMEER AL-DOUMY/AFP via Getty Images)
Lens’ French forward #09 Elye Wahi (R) fights for the ball with Arsenal’s Japanese defender #18 Takehiro Tomiyasu during the UEFA Champions League Group B first leg football match between RC Lens and Arsenal FC at the Bollaert Stadium in Lens, northern France, on October 3, 2023. (Photo by SAMEER AL-DOUMY/AFP via Getty Images)

Tomiyasu also revealed that the Lens goalkeeper acknowledged the lucky save. “The goalkeeper told me it was a lucky moment because he didn’t react. I needed to put it into the net but I’ll have to score the next one,” said the Japanese defender.

The Arsenal player also addressed how the team plans to move forward. “Obviously now we have to move on from the defeat and we go to the match again on the weekend, so we have to focus on the game on the weekend,” Tomiyasu stated.

“Absolutely it’s a massive game for us [against Manchester City]. We have to focus on the next one and we have to do everything that we have to do and we can do,” he added.

The night started positively for Arsenal with an early goal from Gabriel Jesus, but the team failed to capitalise on their lead.

Defensive lapses allowed RC Lens to score goals through Adrien Thomasson and Elye Wahi.

Manager Mikel Arteta’s tactical adjustments could not turn the tide, leaving Arsenal empty-handed by the end of the night.

The defeat serves as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead for Arsenal, not only in European competitions but also in the domestic league.

With a crucial match against Manchester City looming, Mikel Arteta and his squad must swiftly regroup and address the tactical and physical issues that have been exposed.

Most pressing among them will be the health of Bukayo Saka, whose potential absence could have significant implications for the squad’s depth and attacking options.