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ARSENAL V. LENS, UEFA CUP
At HIGHBURY, APRIL 6, 2000
Reviewed by ANDY DOBSON
Semi-Finals, First Leg. Result : Arsenal 1 Lens 0
The expectation in the ground was of quiet confidence but there was a respect for the fact the Lens had won against Arsenal last season.
The fans' confidence in the referee was not helped by the fact that he managed to mess up the attempt at one minute's silence for the tragedy in Turkey the previous evening.
The match started briskly and a through ball from Petit was latched onto by Bergkamp who beat the keeper and coolly dispatched the ball into an empty net after two minutes.
The jublilation of the home fans contrasted with the silence of the previously vociferous and colourful French support.
However, as the first half and the tie progressed the French singing grew stronger as their team stifled all Arsenal's efforts.
The home side and fans grew frustrated as the away side's confidence increased. In the end Arsenal were lucky not to concede a breakaway goal in the second half.
The tie is nicely set up for the return in Lens - the big question being : will the return of Thierry Henry and a one goal cushion be enough for the Gunners?