Olympiacos vs Arsenal
0-1
It was a tough battle in a hostile stadium for the Gunners on Thursday night in which they managed to grind out a positive result.
The away side started slow, with Olympiacos going at them from the first whistle and nearly making the break through in the 2nd minute, if it weren’t for a good save by Bernd Leno from a sweetly struck volley from playmaker Valbuena. Just moments later the Greek side should have been ahead after a lovey cross to the back post, only for his teammate to head over the bar. Arsenal started to feel their way into the game with the first clear chance of the half coming in the 19th minute courtesy of some link up between Willock, Martinelli and Lacazette. The young Brazilian cleverly turned his man and put it on a plate for Arsenal’s number 9, in which he couldn’t wrap his foot around enough. The net really should have been bulging. Chances were limited for both sides in the remainder of the half, causing it to be 0-0 heading into the break.
At the start of the second half it was a cagey affair, with no clear cut chances for either side until the 73rd minute when Olympiacos won a free kick just outside the Arsenal box. Valbuena stepped up and forced a good save from Arsenal’s German shot stopper which he almost spilt, only for him to throw his body onto the ball before the onrushing attacker could get there. Then with 10 minutes left, the only real piece of quality in the whole game led to the break through. Aubameyang raced down the wing and received the ball with Bukayo Saka charging up the wing to make an overload, the Gunners captain found him and the 18-year old did the rest. An excellent low driven cross placed just inside the 6-yard box coupled with some illusive movement for Lacazette meant the 28-year old had a simple finish to guide Arteta’s side into a 0-1 aggregate lead to take to the Emirates next week.
Player Ratings
Bernd Leno
Kept us in the game for the first 60 minutes. As reliable as ever. 8/10
Sokratis
Played out of position, battled hard and put 100% in. Didn’t provide the outlet on the right hand side like Bellerin or Maitland-Niles would have. 6.5/10
Shkodran Mustafi
Another composed display. Started to hit real form since his mistake at Stamford Bridge. Impressed with his attitude. 7.5/10
David Luiz
Organised the defence well and started attacks from deep His partnership with Mustafi is looking more solid with every passing game. Lead the line well to help us to our third clean sheet in a row. 6.5/10
Bukayo Saka
I’m running out of ways to describe the type of performances he is putting in. Unbelievable consistency for someone so young and playing out of position, another brillant assist. My MOTM. 8.5/10
Matteo Guendouzi
Won key freekicks when we were under pressure, which helped us to settle into the game. Wasn’t able to control the game as we would have liked at times, could be more consistent. 6.5/10
Granit Xhaka
Created a few decent chances and kept us ticking in the midfield. Weren’t his best game under Arteta, but pleased he seems to be improving. 6.5/10
Joe Willock
On his day, he is a brillant player, but needs to be more consistent. Great work for the Lacazette chance in the first half but other than that he was quiet. 6/10
Aubameyang
Doesn’t Look as comfortable on the right wing, however drove us forward at times and was an ever present outlet. Did well for the goal as well. 7/10
Gabriel Martinelli
Was relatively quiet for his usually standards. Helped out defensively, but didn’t have that decisiveness when going forward like he so often does. 6.5/10
Alexandre Lacazette
Didn’t have his best game, feel as if his link up play isn’t up to the standard he showed us last season, however 2 goals in 2 games with one coming away from home, can’t complain with that! 7/10
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James Humphreys
Gunners Daily 