Arsenal made it back-to-back Champions League wins with a 2-0 victory over Olympiacos, but it was far from a straightforward night for Mikel Arteta’s side
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal kept their perfect record in this year’s Champions League with a tense 2-0 victory over Olympiacos.
The hosts took the lead midway through the first half when a delightful pass from Martin Odegaard split the Olympiacos defence, finding Viktor Gyokeres charging through the middle of the pitch. The striker’s shot rebounded off the post, but Gabriel Martinelli was there to slot it into an open goal.
However, after taking the lead, Arsenal found it difficult to create chances and were increasingly under pressure at the other end. The Gunners’ attack seemed ineffective until substitute Bukayo Saka weaved his way through the defence and smashed a clinching goal past the goalkeeper.
Here, the Daily Star Sport rates Arsenal’s stars.
David Raya – 8
The only Arsenal defender who remained alert for the full 90 minutes. Made a spectacular save from close range in the first half and was called upon more than once in the second.
Ben White – 6
Caught flat-footed for the chance Raya saved in the first half and continued to look vulnerable whenever Olympiacos attacked. Substituted on the hour mark and replaced by Jurrien Timber.
William Saliba – 6
Had to do a bit more defending than he probably expected against the Greek side and didn’t seem particularly troubled at any point.
Gabriel – 6
Much like his typically solid centre-back partner, Gabriel had a busy but not overly challenging night. His second-half injury will undoubtedly cause some worry for Arteta and the Arsenal supporters.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7
Found himself running back towards his own goal more than he would have thought. Couple of shaky moments but put in a huge shift.
Martin Zubimendi – 7
Quiet behind the scenes again, the Spaniard was the glue to the Arsenal performance.
Martin Odegaard – 7
He dominated the first half and was easily the standout player on the pitch. He set up Gyokeres for the opportunity that led to the opening goal and continued to shine in midfield.
Mikel Merino – 5
Despite playing in his preferred position at the heart of midfield, he failed to make a significant impact. He was overly cautious with the ball, earning more sighs from the crowd than applause.
Leandro Trossard – 5
He came close to scoring a second goal before being substituted and was involved throughout, but lacked the necessary quality in the final third. He would have been hoping to make a bigger impact after starting the match.
Viktor Gyokeres – 6
He performed exceptionally well for the opening goal when he broke free behind the opposition defence and was unlucky not to score himself. However, his finishing was wasteful
Gabriel Martinelli – 7
He earned a starting spot due to his recent goalscoring form, and while his goal was from close range, the winger needed to be alert to the ball bouncing off the post.
Substitutes:
Bukayo Saka – 8
He should have had an assist but ended the game with a goal instead. Arsenal looked much improved after the Englishman’s introduction.
Eberechi Eze – 6
Failed to make a meaningful impact off the bench.
Declan Rice – 6
He injected some much-needed energy into the Arsenal midfield just when things were starting to look a bit dull for the home team. He was his usual threatening self from set pieces.
Cristhian Mosquera – 6
Helped achieve the clean sheet after replacing Gabriel
Jurrien Timber – 6
Handled the dangerous Daniel Podence better than Ben White
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