- Arsenal plot swoop to sign Atalanta star Ederson
- Arsenal eye swoop to sign Frankfurt star Omar Marmoush
- Confirmed line-ups: Arsenal vs Southampton: Jorginho and Sterling start
- Predicted Arsenal line-up against Southampton
- Arsenal interested in signing Atalanta star Ederson
- Arsenal ‘keen’ on signing Lille star Jonathan David
- Arsenal planning to step up efforts to sign Benjamin Sesko
- Arsenal express interest in Valencia star Cristhian Mosquera
- Arsenal interested in signing Girona star Miguel Gutierrez
- Arsenal register interest in signing Adam Wharton
[Ratings] Olympiacos 0-1 Arsenal: Leno stars as Lacazette grabs vital winner
Arsenal took control of their Europa League last-32 tie after grinding out a 1-0 victory over Olympiacos in Athens on Thursday night. Here are my ratings from the game:
Leno 8/10 | Made superb save to prevent a Luiz own goal and was on hand to make at least two other terrific saves to maintain the clean sheet. Excellent performance from the German to justify Arteta’s decision to start him over Martinez.
Sokratis 6.5/10 | Did reasonably well at right-back but was given some trouble by the tricky Valbuena. Forced off late on with what appeared to be a knee problem.
Mustafi 7/10 | Another solid display from Mustafi. Didn’t put a foot wrong other than picking up a silly yellow card for a late challenge.
Luiz 6.5/10 | Lucky not to score an own goal but was otherwise solid and played an important role in securing Arsenal’s third consecutive clean sheet.
Saka 7/10 | Slow start from the youngster but grew into the game and was dangerous in the second half. Solid defensively and set-up the goal with a wonderful cross.
Guendouzi 5.5/10 | Back in the team following his bust up with Arteta but didn’t exactly take his opportunity. Got too involved in the scrap with the Olympiacos players and played for too many free-kicks.
Xhaka 6/10 | Couldn’t really get a-hold of the game to dictate play and there were a few stray passes but his presence in midfield was important.
Martinelli 6/10 | Set-up Lacazette for a chance in the first half that the Frenchman should have buried. His touch was off a little and he was eventually subbed in the second half. Not really his night.
Willock 6/10 | A couple of nice passes but frustrating at times as he needed too much time on the ball. Doesn’t offer the same level of creativity as Ozil in the No.10 role.
Aubameyang 6/10 | A few dangerous moments and put a couple of decent crosses into the box. Was much better from the left in the second half but still feel he’s wasted out wide.
Lacazette 7/10 | Missed a great chance to open the scoring midway through the first half but made up for it by scoring the winner. Certainly looks a yard sharper compared to a few weeks ago and finally getting among the goals again.
Subs:
Ceballos 5.5/10 | Scuffed a shot when well positioned.
Pepe 6/10 | A lively cameo from the Ivorian.
Maitland-Niles N/A | On too late.