UEFA Champions League review

Saka injured in Arsenal defeat, Man Utd lose to Galatasaray

3 Oct 2023
Bukayo Saka of Arsenal

Gunners winger limps off in 2-1 loss to Lens, while United are beaten 3-2 at Old Trafford

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Report: RC Lens 2-1 Arsenal External Link
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Arsenal and Manchester United both suffered defeat in the UEFA Champions League group stage on Tuesday, with the Gunners losing 2-1 to Lens in France while the Red Devils were beaten 3-2 at home by Galatasaray.

Bukayo Saka limped off for Arsenal, who lost for the first time this season ahead of Sunday's huge match against Manchester City, while Casemiro was shown a red card for Erik ten Hag’s side as they endured a second straight defeat, and their sixth in 2023/24.

See: Arteta: Saka injury does not look good

How Arsenal's match unfolded

Despite Lens’ bright start, it was Arsenal who took a 14th-minute lead through Gabriel Jesus.

Adrien Thomasson’s loose pass was intercepted by Saka, who quickly played in Jesus, and the Brazilian was clinical with his finish into the bottom corner.

The advantage did not last long as Thomasson atoned for his error with a curling first-time strike beyond David Raya on 25 minutes.

It was the first away goal Arsenal had conceded in all competitions this season.

Five minutes later, Arsenal suffered a major blow as Saka limped off with what appeared to be a thigh injury.

And insult was added to that injury when Elye Wahi completed the turnaround for Lens on 69 minutes as he swept home following a swift counter-attack.

See: Arsenal report and line-up

Man Utd were beaten at Old Trafford for the second time in four days as their difficult start to the season continued.

How Man Utd's match unfolded

Like Arsenal, the Red Devils scored first as Rasmus Hojlund struck on 17 minutes with his second Champions League goal in as many matches.

Marcus Rashford broke down the right and his cross found Hojlund, who powered his header into the roof of the net.

However, their lead lasted just six minutes, as Wilfried Zaha pulled Galatasaray level against his former club.

United’s defence failed to deal with a long ball over the top and after it he fell to Zaha, he held off Diogo Dalot and his effort looped over Andre Onana for his first ever Champions League goal.

Hojlund got his and United's second on 67 minutes when, following a surging run from the halfway line, he showed great composure to lift the ball over goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

But Galatasaray equalised again, this time through Kerem Akturkoglu, before things got even worse for the home side.

See: What's wrong with Man Utd and how to fix it

Onana’s poor pass went straight to Dries Mertens, who was brought down inside the area by Casemiro, with the Brazilian being sent off.

While Mauro Icardi put the subsequent penalty wide, moments later a header from former Tottenham Hotspur defender Davinson Sanchez went straight through the United centre and found Icardi, who seized his second chance to score the winner by scooping the ball over Onana.

United have now lost both of their opening two group matches, after their 4-3 defeat to Bayern Munich, and must focus on their match at home to Brentford on Saturday.

See: Man Utd report and line-up

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