There was a Champions League victory that counts as Arsenal beat Olympiacos 2–0. Manager Mikel Arteta was lavish in his praise following the game regarding captain Martin Odegaard, claiming his performance was “phenomenal.” He also touched on the depth within the team and defensive solidity.
A Win That Counts for Arsenal
Arsenal beat Olympiacos 2–0 at the Emirates. Gabriel Martinelli had opened in the first minute with a rebound, and substitute Bukayo Saka put the issue to bed at stoppage time.
Olympiacos have had past victories over Arsenal at the Emirates, so it was not presumed this time.
Arteta deployed six of his starting eleven as substitutes, making five attempts at substitution. He cited that this rotation played a huge role in sustaining the performance level after a physically demanding match days before.
Odegaard Returns in Style
Odegaard was already having issues with injuries (a shoulder injury) for the first part of the season. In the Olympiacos match, he was once again controlling the middle, creating scoring chances, pushing the ball forward, making quick runs, and unsettling the opposing team.
Arteta informed Odegaard has “all the license in the world to go forward,” and that he gives him complete freedom to enable him to play his attacking imagination. The manager went on to add that apart from passes, how he plays with the ball and the timing of his entry into danger areas is extremely important.
Arteta went on to say that Odegaard “put three people through” the whole game and that he possibly merited a goal himself, but his overall contribution was more than sufficient overall.
Briefly: Odegaard’s return is symbolic. He is central to the way in which Arsenal would rather play. He breaks up defenses, helps join play, and accelerates the tempo.
Depth, Defense, and Work Rate Commendation
Arteta did not spare words of admiration for Odegaard alone. He also spoke of Viktor Gyokeres. The striker did not score, but Arteta heaped praise on Gyokeres for his work rate, his movement, and the way he makes life very hard for the defenders.
At the back, Arteta cited Arsenal’s reliable record of clean sheets in the Champions League. He stated clean sheets, and a strong bench is helping the club’s sustained success on the continent of Europe.
He did admit there were some wasted chances and that Olympiacos’ goalkeeper made crucial saves. But he felt the balance between striking and defense was strong enough to win the game.
There has been too much rotation in the squad, Arteta emphasized that everyone must feel like they fit in. He continued to state that the players brought onto the pitch as substitutes must heighten the level, add to the momentum, and make sure that the team is not slipping.
He also said that part of the change he made was precautionary: defender Gabriel was replaced with a knock, but Arteta figured he’d be fine to play the next game.
Why This Win Is Significant for Arsenal
This game is more than three points. It is a few encouraging trends for Arsenal:
The return of Odegaard in goal-scoring form revitalizes their creative bedrock.
It demonstrates there’s substance in the team — resting key players must not undermine the team.
It makes defensive solidity (clean sheets) a priority as a platform for success in European competition.
It gives a message to visitors that Arsenal are capable of winning pressure games, particularly at home.
What’s Next?
Arsenal’s next match is against West Ham in the Premier League. Arteta will hope the momentum of this win over Olympiacos continues to domestic football.
Author’s Insight
Odegaard will be vital. If he keeps delivering performances like this, Arsenal’s attacking weapon will be richer and more varied. The faith in letting him have license by the manager says everything about faith in what Odegaard can deliver.
Meanwhile, the rotation will come under test. The bench players will have to step up. If they manage to do that, Arsenal can be frightening on more than one front
