Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal maintained a 100% record in this year’s Champions League, earning a nervous victory over the Olympiacos. They were never at their best for 90 minutes, but it’s a boost for North Londoners looking to finish in the top eight.
The host broke the deadlock midway through the first half when he spotted Martin Odegard’s gorgeous ball splitting the Olympiacos backline and bursting through the center of the park. The striker’s efforts bouncing off the woodwork, with Gabriel Martinelli at his hands and heading home in front of an empty net.
However, after taking the lead, Arsenal struggled to create opportunities, increasingly under Kosh on the other side. The gunner appeared to have no teeth in the attack. The replacement Bukayosaka danced through the defense, stabbing the goalkeeper in the foot. Express Sports Handout Player Rating
David Raya-8
The only Arsenal defender who appears to have switched on for 90 minutes. He pulled out a stunning save from close range in the opening half and was called out on multiple occasions for the second time.
Ben White-6
Raya was caught up in his heels for the chance to be saved in the first half, and it kept appearing to be leaky with every Olympiacos coming out. He was engrossed in the time mark and was replaced by Julian wood.
William Salliver-6
He probably had to defend a little more than he had expected against the Greek side, and at any point he was not particularly bothered.
Gabriel-6
Just like his normally non-intrusive centre-back partner, Gabriel was busy but not accurately tested. Stepping into the second half is a bit of a concern for Arteta and Arsenal fans.
Miles Lewis Skelly-6
Many welcome start for the youngsters watching his starting spot on his left back wrestling away from him. Some tidy touches looked threats on the left.
Martin Zubimendi -6
I still clutched my fellow teammates, but covered enough ground in the middle of the park. It was supported by the introduction of Declan Rice.
Martin Odegaard -7
He ran the show during his first period and was far best on the pitch. I was playing the ball to Gyoker for a chance that led to the opener and continued to be surprised in the middle of the park.
Mikel Merino-5
He plays in his more natural position in the heart of midfield, but does not brighten the spot exactly. It’s too conservative to groan out of the crowd than cheers.
Leandro Trossard -5
I added a second goal after being dropped and got involved overall, but in the final third I didn’t have the quality I needed. They would have wanted a statement to show after the match began from the off.
Viktor Gyoker- 6
It went incredibly well for the opening goal when he was unleashed behind the defense of the opposition and not getting the goal himself.
Gabriel Martinelli-6
While rewarded with his recent start bar in goalscoring form, the winger had to be careful of the ball bouncing off the woodwork while it was from close range.
Alternatives:
Bukayosaka-6
They should have needed an assist, but instead they ended the game with the goal. Arsenal looked very good after the introduction of the British.
Eberechi Eze -6
He got out of the bench but didn’t do much and he let the crowd go off his feet.
Declan Rice-6
Just as things began to flatten for the home side, they added energy to Arsenal midfield. His typical dangerous self was from the set piece.
Christian Mosquera-6
He kept it firmly behind after Gabriel’s injury.
Julien wood – 6
I replaced Ben White and offered far more dynamism to the right.
