Arsenal were stifled in a 2-1 loss at Lens in the Champions League on Tuesday as Mikel Arteta continued to balance injuries and a slightly disjointed attack ahead of a huge clash against Manchester City. 

Bukayo Saka was deemed fit enough to start, although he came off just after the half-hour mark, while Leandro Trossard returned to the line-up after his recent injury, but neither seemed to be able to make much of a dent to the Lens defensive block.

Despite chopping and changing with substitutes, the Gunners attack never really settled - despite taking the lead though Gabriel Jesus - and chances beyond set-pieces were hard to come by.

Defeat in northern France made for a significant contrast to the 4-0 win at Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday, where things looked like they were starting to click into place for Arsenal.

Arteta has committed to a tweak in formation with goalkeeper David Raya playing almost as a member of the defence, often outside of his penalty area, in the build-up, with Kai Havertz joining the striker to provide a longer option for the team.

Against Bournemouth, in particular, captain Martin Odegaard embraced a slightly deeper role in the build-up to help progress the play which kept Arsenal ticking while retaining a threat in the attacking areas due to high starting positions for the forwards.

But without a regular threat in behind, Arsenal seemed unable to stretch Lens in the way they were able to do to Bournemouth, where Bukayo Saka opened the scoring before Odegaard and Havertz converted penalties and Ben White rounded things off. 

It has been the story of the season so far, flashes of brilliance among long periods lacking cutting edge creativity. If ever there was a time for it all to click into gear, it is against defending champions Manchester City.

The Gunners entertain City at the Emirates in the 4.30pm game on Sunday in what will be one of the biggest contests of the domestic season.

Arsenal failed to pick up a point against City last year and looked second best in each game, but with Rodri suspended and Pep Guardiola's men coming off a surprise loss at Wolves last weekend - and a Champions League clash at RB Leipzig on Wednesday - now seems the perfect time to get a win over them.