Martin Ødegaard’s return inspired Arsenal to a 2-0 Champions League win over Olympiacos, with Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka on the scoresheet. Here’s how the Gunners rated in their second group-stage victory.
Arsenal made it two wins from two in their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Olympiacos at the Emirates Stadium. It wasn’t always straightforward, but Martin Ødegaard’s return to the starting XI proved the difference as his creativity guided Mikel Arteta’s side through a nervy contest.
The Norwegian playmaker pulled the strings in midfield, creating the move that led to Gabriel Martinelli’s opener and later setting up Bukayo Saka to finish the game off. Despite missed chances and a few shaky moments at the back, the Gunners walked away with another valuable three points.
Here’s how Arsenal’s players rated on the night:
Goalkeeper & Defence
David Raya (8/10): Hardly tested, but pulled off a brilliant first-half save to protect Arsenal’s lead. Confident under pressure.
Ben White (6/10): Strong in the first half, faded after the break. Still a useful outlet on the right.
Gabriel Magalhães (7/10): Held firm under Olympiacos pressure, though he looked uncomfortable at times. Subbed off after a knock.
William Saliba (7/10): Dealt with Olympiacos’ direct play well and kept things tidy in defence.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (6/10): Took risks on the ball, but showed composure. Valuable minutes for the youngster.
Midfield
Martin Zubimendi (6/10): Kept things ticking in midfield without doing anything flashy.
Mikel Merino (6/10): A steady presence, won duels and offered balance. Replaced early in the second half.
Martin Ødegaard (8/10): Back to his best. Pulled the strings, linked up brilliantly with Gyökeres, and delivered the decisive passes for both goals.
Attack
Gabriel Martinelli (7/10): Missed an early header but stayed alert to score the opener. Always lively on the left.
Victor Gyökeres (7/10): Worked tirelessly, stretched Olympiacos with his runs, and played a big role in the opening goal.
Leandro Trossard (6/10): Bright and involved but wasteful in front of goal.
Substitutes & Manager
Declan Rice (7/10): Added composure in midfield and played a superb pass to unlock Olympiacos.
Jurrien Timber (6/10): Slotted in seamlessly after White came off.
Bukayo Saka (8/10): Changed the game after coming on. Set up chances before sealing the win with a clinical finish.
Eberechi Eze (6/10): Produced a lovely cross-field pass to spark an attack.
Cristhian Mosquera (6/10): Came on late to cover Gabriel.
Mikel Arteta (7/10): Will be frustrated by wasted chances but pleased his side found a way. Smart substitutions made the difference.
