Arsenal FC player ratings vs Olympiacos: Majestic Martin Odegaard gives Gunners an edge

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Arsenal player ratings vs Olympiacos: Majestic Martin Odegaard gives Gunners an edge

The captain returned and was at the centre of everything good from the Gunners

Action Images via Reuters

Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

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Arsenal maintained their perfect start to this season’s Champions League by beating Olympiacos.

The Gunners took the lead through an early goal from Gabriel Martinelli and dominated possession.

Mikel Arteta’s side, however, had some nervy moments, with Olympiacos having a goal ruled out for offside.

Arsenal wrapped up the win late on, though, with Bukayo Saka coming off the bench to score in injury time.

Simon Collings was at Emirates Stadium to see Arsenal in action...

David Raya 8

Called into action more than he would have expected to be - and made one truly world-class save in the first half to deny Daniel Podence.

Ben White 6

Troubled a few times by Podence, who was one of Olympiacos’ more lively attackers. Taken off just before the hour mark.

William Saliba 7

Got through 90 minutes and seems to be over the ankle injury that has been troubling him. A solid showing.

Gabriel 6

Like Saliba, he was caused some problems by Ayoub El Kaabi. Passing a little off at times and overhit a few balls over the top.

Myles Lewis-Skelly 7

A bright performance from the teenager. Created a great chance for Martinelli early on and was a threat going forward.

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Martin Odegaard 9 | Star player

Looked so sharp and played some majestic through-balls, setting up Saka’s goal. Only blot on his copybook was missing a great chance to score himself.

Martin Zubimendi 7

A classically composed display at the base of Arsenal’s midfield. Rarely gave the ball away.

Mikel Merino 6

Handed a start after his goal at Newcastle last weekend. Put in a steady showing in the hour or so he had on the pitch.

Gabriel Martinelli 7

Wasted a good chance inside two minutes, but found the net shortly after. A lively performance from the winger.

Viktor Gyokeres 6

Could sense his desperation to score and he was unlucky not to. Hit the post and blazed another chance over the crossbar.

Leandro Trossard 6

Will be frustrated that he did not end up on the scoresheet. Wasted a good chance early in the second half and had another attempt cleared off the line.

Substitutions

Declan Rice (Merino 58’) 6

Handed a rare rest. Played one stunning pass that opened Olympiacos. Booked.

Jurrien Timber (White 58’) 6

Shut down Olympiacos’ left flank and got forward whenever he could.

Bukayo Saka (Trossard 73’) 8

Straight into the action and created a golden opportunity for Odegaard. On the scoresheet with minutes to go.

Eberechi Eze (Martinelli 73’) 6

Came on out left after starring centrally at the weekend. Some nice

Cristhian Mosquera (Gabriel 75’) N/A

Subs not used: Arrizabalaga, Setford, Calafiori, Norgaard, Dowman, Nwaneri

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