Pre-Match: Focus on Non-Negotiable Points
Following the emotional rollercoaster against Newcastle, Mikel Arteta emphasized the need for a calm, dominant, and clinical performance in the Champions League. His message to the squad and the media focused on seizing home advantage and securing qualification early. The team sheet saw six changes from the weekend, highlighting the depth required for this campaign.
Mikel Arteta: "This is the Champions League. Three points at home are absolutely non-negotiable for us. We need to show maturity, control the tempo, and take our chances. We must be effective, not just beautiful. Our objective is to be top of this group, and that starts tonight."
The Contest: Professional and Clinical
Arsenal’s performance against the Greek side was a masterclass in control. This was a measured, professional dismantling of the opponent, despite the scoreline remaining tight for nearly the entire match.
The deadlock was broken early in the 11th minute. The goal was largely down to the sheer power of Viktor Gyokeres, who ran onto a superb Martin Ødegaard throughball and brushed aside two defenders. His powerful shot was half-parried onto the post, where Gabriel Martinelli was waiting to tap in from virtually on the goal line to make it 1-0.
Despite the early goal, Olympiacos remained dangerous, forcing an incredible, full-stretch save from David Raya to deny Daniel Podence, which was a crucial moment in preserving the clean sheet.
The second half was a story of Arsenal creating chances but struggling to find the crucial second goal, with Leandro Trossard and Gyokeres both going close. Olympiacos grew into the game, but the defense held firm.
The points were finally settled deep into injury time (90+1') when the impressive Martin Ødegaard set up Bukayo Saka inside the box. Saka's low shot went through the keeper's legs, securing a vital 2-0 victory and maintaining Arsenal's 100% start to the group stage.
Post-Match Reaction and Man of the Match
Arteta was visibly satisfied with the display, contrasting the controlled European effort with the Premier League drama days prior.
Mikel Arteta : "This was exactly the reaction we needed. A professional performance, a solid structure, and a brilliant clean sheet. We controlled the game from the first minute and showed maturity. This is the standard in Europe; consistency is key."
Mikel Arteta : "The goal was all about Gyokeres' power and determination. He shows us that quality is not enough; you need the desire to break opponents down, and his run created the space for Martinelli."
The Man of the Match award goes to Martin Ødegaard. The skipper was the architect of the victory, creating the chance for the first goal with a superb pass and setting up Saka for the late second, showcasing his pivotal role in linking the midfield and attack.
That's two wins in a row! Next up, we return to the Premier League with a London derby at the Emirates.
Image Credits https://www.arsenal.com/news/36-superb-photos-our-win-over-olympiacos