Fortress Emirates: Arsenal too strong again
Unstoppable at home
North London feels like a fortress these days. Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal simply don’t lose European group matches at the Emirates. Eight Champions League games, eight wins, zero goals conceded. Add in the Europa League and the numbers are even more impressive. The Emirates crowd has grown used to it: European nights here usually end in victory.
Olympiakos arrive with history
The Greek champions came with a curious record of their own. They had won on their previous three visits to Arsenal’s ground, including knockout clashes in the Europa League. This time, though, they faced an Arsenal side in fine form, disciplined at the back and ruthless up front.
Martinelli strikes early
The game burst into life after just 12 minutes. Martin Ødegaard slid a perfect pass into Viktor Gyökeres, whose shot was pushed onto the post by Kostas Tzolakis. Martinelli reacted quickest, squeezing the ball in from a tight angle to put Arsenal in front. The young Brazilian was electric all night, even if he wasted a golden chance later when he chose to go solo instead of squaring for a teammate.
Chances flow, but nerves remain
Arsenal dominated possession and should have wrapped things up before halftime. Ødegaard was pulling the strings, Trossard provided energy, and Gyökeres muscled his way into several good positions. Yet the finishing touch was missing, and Olympiakos stayed alive. David Raya had to produce a world-class save to deny Daniel Podence’s thunderous volley, a reminder that the visitors still carried a threat.
Second half tension
As the game wore on, Arsenal slowed the tempo. Declan Rice came on to tighten control in midfield, while Trossard and Ødegaard both missed further chances. The Olympiakos fans sang loudly and their team pushed for an equaliser. El Kaabi twice tested Raya with headers, one of them followed up into the net – but he was offside. The Emirates crowd grew restless, urging their side to finish the job.
Saka seals it
It took until stoppage time for Arsenal to finally breathe. Once again it was Ødegaard dictating, sliding a clever ball into Bukayo Saka. The winger made no mistake, slotting home to make it 2–0 and confirm yet another clean sheet.
Arsenal’s run continues
Arteta’s side are building something special: strong, united, and very hard to break down. Olympiakos made them work, but the result never really looked in doubt. Another night, another win, another reminder that the Emirates is currently the toughest place to visit in Europe.
