Saka Strikes Late as Arsenal Sink Olympiacos to Keep Perfect Champions League Start‎

Saka Strikes Late as Arsenal Sink Olympiacos to Keep Perfect Champions League Start‎

By Bashir Adigun
Cobtrubutor

Arsenal left it late but eventually saw off Olympiacos 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium, thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s early strike and Bukayo Saka’s stoppage-time clincher that sealed back-to-back Champions League wins for the Gunners.
Martinelli struck first in the 12th minute, tapping home from close range when Viktor Gyokeres’ bulldozing run and shot came back off the post. It was a dream start for Mikel Arteta’s side, who looked in total control and should have added more before half-time.
But Olympiacos — Arsenal’s familiar European foes, having met 13 times in the past 16 years — refused to roll over. They grew into the contest and almost stunned the hosts when Daniel Podence’s volley was sensationally tipped over the bar by David Raya in what was arguably the save of the night.
Despite dominating possession and creating wave after wave of chances through Leandro Trossard, Gyokeres and the returning skipper Martin Odegaard, Arsenal couldn’t kill off the game and were left nervously clinging to their narrow lead as the Greeks threatened an equaliser. Raya again had to be alert, denying Chiquinho with a superb acrobatic stop in the second half.
The nerves were only settled deep into injury time. Substitute Saka, introduced late on, latched onto Odegaard’s incisive pass and calmly slotted through the legs of Kostas Tzolakis to send the Emirates into raptures.
The win means Arsenal maintain their 100% record in the group stage after also beating Athletic Club on Matchday One, while also banishing memories of Olympiacos’ three previous victories at the Emirates.
Speaking after the game, Mikel Arteta praised his side’s resilience but admitted the contest was far from straightforward.
“Winning in the Champions League is always very complicated,” the manager said. “We kept another clean sheet — 11 in 14 games, which is remarkable from the boys. We started really well and created chances, but in this competition you have to be careful. David [Raya] made an incredible save when we needed him, and Olympiacos made it very difficult until the end.”
On Martin Odegaard’s performance in his first start since injury, Arteta was glowing: “Martin was phenomenal today. He really took charge of the game in a really aggressive way, making things happen, putting people in front of goal. He should have scored himself as well. It’s great to have him back.”
Viktor Gyokeres, who terrorised the Greek defence and set up Martinelli’s opener, also earned special praise. “He had an incredible performance,” Arteta said. “Apart from the goal, he did everything you want from a striker. He hit the post, was denied by blocks, but overall his work was exceptional. The goals will come.”
Arteta confirmed that Gabriel’s early withdrawal was precautionary: “He felt something, maybe a kick in the first half. He could have carried on, but we didn’t want to take any risks.”
The manager also highlighted the importance of his bench, after Saka’s late strike meant Arsenal substitutes have now scored in five successive matches for the first time in more than 20 years. “It shows the mentality of the players,” Arteta said. “They are ready to come in and impact the game.”
With two wins from two in Europe, Arteta’s side now turn their attention back to domestic matters with a Premier League clash against West Ham before the international break. But in Europe, the message is clear: Arsenal mean business.