Arsenal preserved their good begin to the UEFA Champions League group stage with a 2-0 win over Olympiacos on the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.
Constructing on September’s spectacular 2-0 success away to Athletic Membership, the Gunners got here out with intent and wanted solely 12 minutes for Gabriel Martinelli to make the breakthrough.
His opener proved decisive, as regardless of Arsenal’s dominance in possession, clear possibilities had been at a premium till stoppage time, when Bukayo Saka struck to lastly put the sport past the 48-time Greek champions.
On the different finish, David Raya was known as into motion greater than as soon as, producing key interventions to safe each the clear sheet and the factors. There have been anxious spells, however in the end Mikel Arteta’s males made it two wins from two to start their European marketing campaign.
Martin Ødegaard reminded Arsenal precisely what that they had been lacking as he returned to the beginning XI and impressed them to a win.
The Norwegian worldwide was at his sensible finest, particularly in the course of the opening half, and it was his incisive go to Victor Gyökeres that sparked the opener. The Swedish striker’s shot got here again off the submit, permitting Martinelli to tuck in from shut vary.
Phenomenal efficiency
That contribution was simply considered one of many from Ødegaard, who produced a listing of defense-splitting passes that night time. He created 4 possibilities, accomplished 54 passes at an 83% success fee, delivered 9 into the ultimate third, and related with seven of his 10 lengthy balls.
By full-time, the 23-year-old had registered probably the most touches (86), final-third passes (26), possessions received (8), possibilities created (4), and crosses (4), capping a dominant efficiency that earned him a deserved man-of-the-match award.
Talking after the sport in his post-match convention, Arsenal head coach waxed lyrical about his captain, who placed on yet one more spectacular show.
He mentioned, ‘I believe he put three folks by means of as we speak to attain a purpose; he ought to have scored a purpose as nicely, so nice to have him again. He performed some excellent minutes in Newcastle to assist us win the sport, and I believe as we speak he was phenomenal.’
Having made his first begin for the reason that 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest final month, Ødegaard will hope his efficiency strengthens his declare for a spot within the beginning lineup when the Gunners host West Ham United on Saturday.
