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Gunners Cruise into Champions League Knockout Stages

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Arsenal stylishly cruised into the Champions League knockout stages as Group B winners by thrashing French club Lens 6-0 at Emirates Stadium.

The Premier League leaders kicked off needing just a point to reach the last 16 of the competition following PSV Eindhoven’s 3-2 comeback win at Sevilla earlier on Wednesday evening.

Mikel Arteta’s men duly delivered in devastating fashion thanks to first-half goals from Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard.

Substitute Jorginho completed the scoring with a late penalty, awarded following VAR intervention for a handball by Abdukodir Khusanov.

A one-sided encounter in north London was marred slightly by visiting fans throwing a lit flare at home supporters in the aftermath of Saka’s 23rd-minute strike.

With first place in the pool emphatically secured with a game to spare, Gunners boss Arteta now has the luxury of being able to rotate his squad for next month’s visit to Eindhoven amid a hectic December fixture list which could determine the seriousness of his side’s title ambitions.

The Spaniard made just two changes from Saturday’s dramatic 1-0 win at Brentford, which moved the Gunners top of the table.

Havertz was recalled as reward for his late winner against the Bees, while on-loan goalkeeper David Raya was restored having been cup-tied against his parent club.

Arsenal controlled proceedings from the first whistle and quickly blew away last season’s Ligue 1 runners-up.

The recalled Havertz, who had already headed narrowly wide, capitalised on static defending to open the scoring in the 13th minute, poking beyond France keeper Brice Samba from close range following Jesus’ nod down.

Lens’ vocal travelling support responded by throwing a pyrotechnic device on to the field before quickly seeing the game run away from their outclassed team.

Jesus doubled the hosts’ advantage in the 21st minute, calmly sidestepping Kevin Danso and coolly slotting past Samba following strong running from Saka.

England forward Saka quickly added to the punishment by finishing with his left thigh on the rebound after Samba poorly parried Martinelli’s initial effort.

That unorthodox finish led to unsavoury scenes as an active flare was launched from the away end into home spectators in the tier above.

Dominant Arsenal continued to shine brighter on the pitch and Martinelli lit up the contest with a wonderful fourth with only 27 minutes on the clock.

The Brazil international raced away down the left flank and then cut inside Przemyslaw Frankowski to curl a sumptuous finish into the far corner.

Arsenal’s first defeat of the season came in the reverse fixture in northern France at the start of October.

On this evidence, most inside the ground must have been wondering how, albeit Lens’ Facundo Medina rattled the right post from distance during a rare foray forward.

That proved to a fleeting moment of positivity for the away side, who went into the break 5-0 down after Odegaard expertly volleyed home Takehiro Tomiyasu’s cross.

Arteta used a more subdued second period to rest some of his star names, with Saka and the outstanding Declan Rice among those withdrawn.

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Osimhen Set to Complete One-Year Loan at Galatasaray

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By Abaire Olanlesi

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen will see out his one-year loan spell at Galatasaray, having rejected offers to leave during the January transfer window.

While the window has closed across most European leagues, Turkey remains an exception.

Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli last summer, with no option to buy, following a fallout with the Italian club’s management.

He had previously turned down moves to Chelsea and Saudi Arabia due to personal terms.

Despite speculation about an early exit, Galatasaray’s technical director, Okan Buruk, confirmed that while his loan deal included a January transfer clause, Osimhen chose to stay, prioritizing his commitment to the club.

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Taye Taiwo Inducted Into Marseille’s Legends Club

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By Oluwamayowa Fakande

Former Super Eagles left-back Taye Taiwo has been inducted into Olympique Marseille’s Legends Club, recognizing his contributions to the French side.

The club announced the honor on its English X handle, stating: “Taye Taiwo is in the house tonight as the former Olympien and Super Eagle is inducted into the #OMLegends club.”

Taiwo, who played a key role in Marseille’s success, won the Ligue 1 title, French League Cup, and French Super Cup before moving to AC Milan in 2011.

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Ronaldo: I’m the Most Complete Player in History

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By Oluwamayowa Fakande

 

Portugal and Al Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo has declared himself the most complete footballer ever, citing his record-breaking achievements and versatility on the pitch.

 

Speaking in an interview with Spanish show El Chiringuito, the 39-year-old emphasized his scoring prowess across all aspects of the game.

 

“Who’s the best goal scorer in history? It’s about numbers. I rank among the top 10 left-footed scorers despite not being left-footed. I excel with my head, right foot, free kicks, and penalties. I do everything well in football,” he boasted.

 

Acknowledging personal preferences for legends like Messi, Pelé, and Maradona, Ronaldo insisted that his all-around ability sets him apart.

 

“I haven’t seen anyone better than me,” he stated.

 

Despite his age, Ronaldo remains highly competitive and has no plans to retire, saying his drive to improve keeps him going.

 

“Someone else in my position would have quit 10 years ago. I’m different,” he added.

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