Arsenal maintained their perfect start in the Champions League with a 2-0 win over Olympiakos, thanks to goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal continued their winning streak in the Champions League with a 2-0 victory over Olympiakos at the Emirates Stadium. The win extends Arsenal’s perfect start to the competition, with the team now having seven wins from nine games in all competitions.
Gabriel Martinelli scored the opening goal in the first half, while Bukayo Saka sealed the win with a late goal in stoppage time.
The match got off to a promising start for Arsenal, with Myles Lewis-Skelly creating a chance for Martinelli, who unfortunately headed wide from six yards.
However, Martinelli made amends for his miss just 12 minutes later. A pinpoint pass from Martin Odegaard sliced through the Olympiakos defense, allowing Viktor Gyokeres to smash a fierce strike that rebounded off the post to Martinelli, who slotted home from close range.
Arsenal’s goal was well-deserved, but they were fortunate to remain ahead moments later.
Daniel Podence eluded the Arsenal rearguard for a volley that forced a superb save from David Raya. Odegaard teed up Gyokeres for another dangerous raid, but the striker’s shot whistled over.
Leandro Trossard also had a chance to double the lead after the interval, but his attempt to loft his shot over Konstantinos Tzolakis from close range was repelled by the Olympiakos keeper.
Despite Olympiakos’ occasional threats, Arsenal’s defense held strong, with the Greek team being denied an equalizer by a tight offside decision that ruled out Chiquinho’s finish.
Tzolakis made a brilliant double save to stop Odegaard before Saka came off the bench to put a flattering gloss on the scoreline in stoppage time.
Saka’s goal was a result of Odegaard’s excellent vision, finding the winger for a shot that was powerful but should have been dealt with by Tzolakis. The Olympiakos keeper allowed the ball to squirm through his legs into the net, sealing the win for Arsenal.
The victory improves Arsenal’s impressive home record in the Champions League, with the team keeping a 10th clean sheet in their last 13 matches in the competition. Arsenal’s next challenge will be against West Ham on Saturday, as they aim to close the two-point gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool.
