Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos: Martinelli and Saka Seal Champions League Victory

Gabriel Martinelli struck early to help Arsenal extend their perfect start to the Champions League group stage with victory over Olympiacos.

After starring with a goal and an assist in the opening game win against Athletic Club, the Brazilian forward was once again decisive for Mikel Arteta’s side. The Arsenal boss rotated heavily, making six changes from the dramatic weekend triumph over Newcastle United, but his team quickly found their rhythm.

Striker Viktor Gyökeres bulldozed through the Olympiacos defence and saw his effort saved by Konstantinos Tzolakis before the ball hit the post, leaving Martinelli to react quickest and slot home the rebound in the 12th minute.

Arsenal had chances to double their lead as Viktor Gyökeres went through on goal again but couldn’t keep his shot down, and Leandro Trossard’s strike from a cut-back was wide of the mark.

The Greek side grew into the contest, with former Wolves man Daniel Podence drawing a superb stop from David Raya, who tipped his volley over the bar, while Francisco Chiquinho had a finish chalked off for offside. This forced Mikel Arteta to react and call on his big guns, as Ebere Eze and Bukayo Saka were introduced into the game.

Arsenal continued to create openings of their own. Martin Ødegaard was denied by Greek international Tzolakis from point-blank range, as Olympiacos had to rely on some desperate defending to stay in the game.

With the match still in the balance late on, Bukayo Saka settled it. Captain Martin Ødegaard slid through the substitute with an inch-perfect pass, for Saka to smash home the second from the left-hand side, through the keeper’s legs to seal the three points in north London.

Arsenal are back in Champions League action in three weeks, as they face Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid at the Emirates Stadium on game week three, looking to make it nine points from nine.