Arsenal maintain perfect start to European campaign
Arsenal 2 - 0 Olympiacos
Gabriel Martinelli struck early to set Arsenal on their way to a second successive Champions League victory as they overcame Olympiacos.
Author | DJ
Stadium | Emirates Stadium
The Brazilian forward, who had a goal and an assist in the win over Athletic Club on matchday one, was again decisive. When Viktor Gyökeres bulldozed through the home defence only to see his shot pushed onto the post by Konstantinos Tzolakis, Martinelli reacted quickest to turn in the rebound.
Bukayo Saka, introduced from the bench, added the second in stoppage time with a low effort that squirmed through the legs of the goalkeeper to confirm the result.
They are now well and track to qualify directly for the last-16 of the competition which will be a huge bonus for Arteta as they look to compete on multiple fronts this season.
A closer look at what happened
Mikel Arteta, who made six changes from the side that edged Newcastle on Sunday, was able to rotate heavily thanks to the squad rebuilt over the summer, when more than £250m was spent on eight new signings. The depth has already proved invaluable as Arsenal juggle a demanding schedule, with key figures such as Saka and Declan Rice able to sit out long spells.
Olympiacos responded well after Martinelli’s 12th-minute breakthrough. Daniel Podence tested David Raya with a fierce volley that the Spaniard acrobatically tipped over the bar, while Francisco Chiquinho saw a finish chalked off for offside.
Arsenal, though, carved out opportunities of their own. Martin Ødegaard was denied by a combination of Tzolakis and resilient defending, and it was Saka who finally settled the contest in the closing moments.
Outstanding performance from Odegaard
A decisive factor in Arsenal’s comeback against Newcastle was the influence of captain Martin Odegaard after coming off the bench.
He controlled the tempo and delivered the corner that Gabriel headed in to seal three vital points.
The midfielder has been managing a shoulder problem and working his way back to fitness after a frustrating start to the season. He appeared to have put that setback behind him when he returned to the starting line-up against Olympiacos.
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Arsenal have adjusted their approach this season, playing in a more direct style to maximise Viktor Gyokeres’ strengths. Odegaard, who seemed to operate with ease in midfield, consistently picked out passes in behind the Olympiacos defence. The breakthrough goal stemmed from one such move.
He later set up Bukayo Saka for the second, earning the assist that his performance merited.
With Mikel Arteta now boasting greater depth in midfield, Odegaard’s absence has been less keenly felt. Even so, this display underlined why the Norway international remains so central to Arsenal’s plans.
