David Raya – 8
Didn’t have a lot to do but what he did, he did impeccably and based on that logic, he should probably get higher than an 8, but he really didn’t have much to do so let’s not get carried away! Great save from Daniel Podence at a critical point of the match, which could have been a key moment in the game, if he hadn’t tipped it over the bar. Distribution was good, commanding his box well throughout and made a few other routine saves. Racking up those clean sheets now!!
Best moment:
Unbelievable save from Podence in the first half to tip his first time shot over the bar.
Ben White – 7
More like it from White. Still feels like he’s feeling his way back to full fitness but he was solid defensively here against Olympiacos’ dangerous wingers. Got forward well on occasion but ran out of steam in the second half and was replaced by Jurrien Timber.
Best moment:
Put in a nice tackle on Gelson Martins in the box to thwart an attack.
William Saliba – 7
A few hairy moments but was generally solid. Probably was expecting an easier night than it turned out to be but he was still probably only in about third gear.
Best moment:
Nothing of note stands out.
Gabriel – 7
Same with Saliba above, busier than expected but dealt with it well. It wasn’t quite backs to the wall at any stage during the game but in periods of Olympiacos pressure you can just tell that he revels in that kind of defending. Went off with a concerning looking injury, hopefully as a precaution.
Best moment:
Nothing of note stands out but put himself about well.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7
Much more like it from the young fullback/midfielder. Drove forward well whenever he could, most notably to create a great chance for Martinelli in the first few minutes. Solid defensively but was troubled on occasion. So nearly played the Olympiacos attackers onside for what would have been an equaliser on 65 minutes. Just needs to make sure he stays switched on, even we were dominate the ball for large periods.
Best moment:
Great run and cross to set up that early Gabriel Martinelli chance. Showed good pace and power before picking out the Brazilian with an inch perfect cross.
Martin Zubimendi – 7
Kept things ticking over nicely. Some standard Zubimendi moments, great incisive passing, excellent interceptions and a booking for halting a dangerous looking attack. The guy oozes class in everything he does.
Best moment:
Played a lovely ball over to Bukayo Saka, prior to the second goal.
Mikel Merino – 6
Some nice touches and worked hard as ever but couldn’t reach the heights of his heroics from the weekend. Replaced around the hour mark.
Best moment:
Nice ball into Trossard to set up a great chance which the Belgian ought to have done better from.
Martin Odegaard – 8 PLAYER OF THE MATCH
A real return to form for the skipper. What a difference he makes to this Arsenal side. Busy and energetic as always but in contrast to last year, his incisive passing seems to have returned as he carved Olympiacos open almost at will. Should have had two or three assists to his name if not for his teammates wastefulness. Great to have him back. (should have scored though!)
Best moment:
Almost too many to chose from! I’ll go with the ball through for Gyokeres as it played a key part in the all important first goal.
Gabriel Martinelli – 7
Is looking more and more at home on the right. A strong showing from the winger with some nice crosses and direct running. Followed the ball in well to open the scoring. Took a risk in trying to allow the ball to trickle home from Gyokeres’ shot. Lovely gesture but please just put it in next time!
Best moment:
Had a few bright moments but the first goal is always the most important so I’m going with that.
Viktor Gyokeres – 7
Possibly his best performance in an Arsenal shirt in some ways, yet I feel compelled to keep his rating at a 7 due to his lack of end product. Played a massive role in the first goal but should have squared for Martinelli shortly afterwards before blazing over. Put a third great chance of the first half over the bar from a Leandro Trossard through ball and it feels like he’s snatching at them a bit at the moment. Ran the channels really well, linked with teammates and was a constant menace to the Olympiacos defence. Just needs a goal.
Best moment:
Bit of a theme forming here but I’ll go with his involvement in the first goal again. Wasn’t even second favourite when the ball was first played but he showed pace and power to just burrow his way through to get there first. Unlucky with the final effort which was partially saved onto the post.
Leandro Trossard – 6
Some lovely passes and neat intricate play which saves his rating from dropping below a 6. Wasted some really presentable chances to extend Arsenal’s lead and you worry what might have happened had Arsenal been playing against a better team. Definitely looking good on the ball and enjoying his extended run in the team but just did not have his shooting boots on at all tonight.
Best moment:
Exquisite ball through to put Gyokeres in down the inside left channel, with the outside of his boot.
Subs:
Declain Rice – 7 – Some excellent passes, really nice switches, especially out to Bukayo Saka. His running helped keep Arsenal on the front foot and ensured we stayed focused to the last.
Jurrien Timber – 6 – Slotted in nicely after replacing Ben White at right back.
Bukayo Saka – 7 – Took his goal superbly and was a real threat when he came on. Fashioned a great chance for Odegaard, which should have been taken, before settling Arsenal nerves late on with a powerful striker from the unusual position of inside left channel.
Eberechi Eze – 6 – A couple of nice moments but didn’t really get into the game.
Cristhian Mosquera – 6 – A few nice headers as he came on late for Gabriel.