Arsenal scored three times in seven second-half minutes to beat Lille 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium and keep a perfect start to the Champions League. Jurriën Timber, Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka were the scorers after a goalless first half.
London, England: For an hour, Lille held on. Then Arsenal found a way through, and the match was over within minutes. The hosts scored three times in seven second-half minutes on Tuesday night to win 3-0 and join Barcelona and Sporting Lisbon at the top of the league phase.
A goalless first half
Arsenal started slowly. Bruno Guimarães, who joined from Newcastle United in the summer, shot wide early and later forced a save from Berke Özer. Lille had a goal ruled out in the 23rd minute when Ayase Ueda was flagged offside, and the sides went in at 0-0.
Timber breaks through
The opener came in the 64th minute. Noni Madueke played in Timber, who finished from close range to make it 1-0. Mikel Arteta had made five changes from the side that beat Leeds 2-1 on Saturday, and his substitutions, with Saka, Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard coming off the bench, changed the game.
Eze and Saka finish it
Three minutes later, in the 67th, Saka set up the second, crossing low from the right for Eze, whose shot took a deflection on its way in. Saka then added the third himself in the 71st minute, curling in after Havertz cut the ball back. Olivier Giroud came on late on his return to the club where he scored 105 goals, but could not get on the scoresheet.
Lille still without a point
Lille remain without a point in the competition after losing to Real Betis on matchday one, while Arsenal stay unbeaten in the league phase.
Result: Arsenal 3, Lille 0 (UEFA Champions League, league phase, Emirates Stadium, London, Tuesday, 13 October 2026). Half-time: 0-0.
Scorers: Timber 64′ (assist: Madueke), Eze 67′ (assist: Saka), Saka 71′ (assist: Havertz) (Arsenal).
Competition: UEFA Champions League 2026-27, league phase.
