Arsenal maintained their perfect start to the Champions League league phase after scoring three second-half goals in seven minutes to defeat Lille at the Emirates Stadium.
Defender Jurrien Timber opened the scoring in the 64th minute, collecting Noni Madueke’s pass before calmly lifting the ball over goalkeeper Berke Ozer.
England international Eberechi Eze doubled the advantage three minutes later, finishing first-time from a cross delivered by substitute Bukayo Saka.
Saka then completed the scoring in the 71st minute, slotting home Arsenal’s third goal to secure their second consecutive victory in the competition following their win over Napoli.
Manager Mikel Arteta made five changes to the team that defeated Leeds United 2-1 in the Premier League at the weekend. However, Arsenal struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, with Eze, Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres failing to make a significant impact.
Arteta opted against making major changes at half-time, a decision that paid off when Timber broke the deadlock with a composed finish.
The introduction of Saka, Kai Havertz and captain Martin Odegaard further strengthened Arsenal’s attack, with the substitutes playing key roles in the two goals that followed.
Arsenal, who won all eight of their league-phase matches last season before losing the final to Paris Saint-Germain, have once again demonstrated their strength as they pursue another deep run in the competition.
