Arsenal solidified their position in the UEFA Champions League with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Greek champions Olympiacos at the Emirates on Wednesday, handing the visitors their first defeat of the season, Softfootball can report.
The win, sealed by a late Bukayo Saka goal, makes it two from two for Mikel Arteta’s side, who now sit on six points without having conceded a goal.
In a match featuring several rotations, Gabriel Martinelli, who was a super substitute for Arsenal’s last Sunday’s 2-1 comeback win over Newcastle, was rewarded with a start and opened the scoring in the 12th minute, pouncing on a loose rebound. Ben White replaced Jurrien Timber at right-back, while captain Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino started in midfield, allowing Declan Rice a rest.
Despite Arsenal’s early lead, Olympiacos threatened repeatedly. Goalkeeper David Raya was called into action for a spectacular save against former Wolves winger Daniel Podence in the 20th minute and later denied Ayoub El Kaabi just before halftime. The visitors also had a strong penalty appeal waved away after VAR reviewed a challenge from White on El Kaabi.
The Greek side started the second half brightly, pushing for an equaliser. As nerves began to fray, Arteta introduced Rice and Timber just after the hour mark.
However, Olympiacos thought they had found the equaliser when Chiquinho tapped in a parried shot from El Kaabi, but the goal was disallowed for the Moroccan striker being offside in the build-up.
Arteta’s final substitutions, including the introduction of Saka, ultimately secured the result. The winger netted in the 90th minute, just as he did against Leeds last September, which was his last goal before tonight, to wrap up a victory that lifts Arsenal to six points, level with group leaders Bayern Munich. Olympiacos, with one point from two matches, are left to rue missed opportunities.
Arteta and the players appreciating the travelling fans after their 2-0 win. as shown on the club’s official X handle; watch below:
Arsenal will be taking this win to the EPL this weekend as they face London rival West Ham at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners are second in the EPL with 13 points, behind Liverpool.
