Arsenal player ratings vs Olympiacos: Two 5/10s struggle as Raya prevents upset | Football | Sport

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal maintained their 100 per cent record in this year’s Champions League with a nervy 2-0 win against Olympiacos. They were by no means at their best for the 90 minutes, but it’s a boost for the north Londoners as they look to finish inside the top eight.

The hosts broke the deadlock midway through the first half when a sumptuous ball from Martin Odegaard split the Olympiacos backline, finding Viktor Gyokeres bursting through the centre of the park. The striker’s effort bounced back off the woodwork, with Gabriel Martinelli on hand to turn home in front of an empty net.

After taking the lead though, Arsenal struggled to create opportunities and became increasingly under the kosh at the opposite end. The Gunners looked toothless in attack, until substitute Bukayo Saka danced his way through the defence and stuck one through the goalkeeper’s legs. Express Sport hands out player ratings

David Raya – 8

The only Arsenal defender who looked switched on for the full 90 minutes. Pulled off a stunning save from close range in the opening half and was called upon on more than one occasion in the second.

Ben White – 6

Was caught on his heels for the chance Raya saved in the first half and continued to look leaky whenever Olympiacos came forward. Hooked on the hour mark and replaced by Jurrien Timber.

William Saliba – 6

Had to do a little more defending than he probably would’ve been expecting against the Greek Side and didn’t look particularly troubled at any point.

Gabriel – 6

Much like his usually impenetrable centre-back partner, Gabriel had a busy but not exactly testing night. Hobbled off in the second half which will come as a bit of concern to Arteta and the Arsenal fans.

Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6

Much-welcome start for the youngster, having seen his starting spot at left back wrestled away from him. Some tidy touches and looked a threat on the left.

Martin Zubimendi – 6

Still getting to grips with his fellow team-mates but did cover plenty of ground in the middle of the park. Was boosted by the introduction of Declan Rice.

Martin Odegaard – 7

Ran the show in the first period and was by far the best player on the pitch. Had played the ball through to Gyokeres for the chance that led to the opener and continued to dazzle in the middle of the park.

Mikel Merino – 5

Playing in his more natural position in the heart of midfield but didn’t exactly light the place up. Far too conservative when in possession and earned more groans from the crowd than cheers.

Leandro Trossard – 5

Came close to adding a second goal before being subbed off and was involved throughout, but lacked the required quality in the final third. Would’ve been hoping for a statement showing after starting the match from the off.

Viktor Gyokeres – 6

Did incredibly well for the opening goal when he was let loose in behind the opposition defence and was unlucky not to have snagged the goal himself.

Gabriel Martinelli – 6

Was rewarded with a starting berth for his recent goalscoring form, and while it was from close range, the winger had to be aware of the ball that ricocheted off the woodwork.

Substitutes:

Bukayo Saka – 6

Should’ve had an assist but ended the game with a goal instead. Arsenal looked so much better after the introduction of the Englishman.

Eberechi Eze – 6

Got the crowd off their feet when he came off the bench but didn’t do much.

Declan Rice – 6

Added energy to the Arsenal midfield just as things were beginning to go flat for the home side. Was his typically dangerous self from set pieces.

Cristhian Mosquera – 6

Kept it tight at the back following Gabriel’s injury.

Jurrien Timber – 6

Replaced Ben White and offered much more dynamism on the right hand side.