Arsenal player ratings vs Olympiacos: Martin Odegaard is back! Gunners playmaker’s virtuoso performance inspires Gunners to narrow win as Gabriel Martinelli gets amongst the goals

The Gunners had to endure some nervy moments as they beat Olympiacos and made it two wins from two to start their Champions League campaign

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Martin Odegaard showed Arsenal what they had been missing as he returned to the starting XI and inspired them to a second successive Champions League victory, with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka seeing them to a 2-0 win against Olympiacos.

The Gunners skipper was at his sparkling best at times, especially in the first half, and it was his pass to Victor Gyokeres that led to Martinelli opening the scoring when he tapped in from close range after the Swedish striker’s effort had come back off the post.

Arsenal then wasted several chances to extend their lead and had to endure a few nervy moments late on before Saka came off the bench to finish the game off, drilling a finish between Olympiacos keeper Kostas Tzolakis’ legs after being picked out by Odegaard.

Goalkeeper & Defence

David Raya (8/10):

Wasn’t called into action much, but produced one outstanding save in the first half to keep the score at 1-0. Commanded his box well in the second half.

Ben White (6/10):

Ran out of steam a bit quite early in the second half, but good to see him back in the starting XI. Got forward well before the break.

Gabriel Magalhaes (7/10):

Put under some pressure in the second half but absorbed it well. Few nervy moments, mainly due to the full-backs around him who looked understandably rusty. Went off after receiving some treatment for what could have been a shoulder injury.

William Saliba (7/10):

Similar to his centre-back partner. Put under more pressure than he would probably would have expected. But dealt it with it well.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (6/10):

Took a few risks when in possession, but they paid off more often than not. Important minutes from the start for a player who has not had many this season.

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Midfield

Martin Zubimendi (6/10):

Used the ball well and got things going when receiving possession from deep.

Mikel Merino (6/10):

Nothing spectacular, but solid. Won his duels and got forward when he could. Replaced by Rice before the hour.

Martin Odegaard (8/10):

Class above, especially in the first half. Back in the starting XI and Arsenal looked much better for it. Was at the heart of everything good the home side produced, playing a big part in the first goal and setting up the second.

Attack

Gabriel Martinelli (7/10):

Should have scored early on when he put a header one. Did follow up Gyokeres’ effort to score soon after, however, and always looked a threat.

Victor Gyokeres (7/10):

He’ll be disappointed he didn’t score because he had the chances. But he and Arsenal will take a lot from this performance. His runs were excellent and he was being found regularly. You can see the chemistry building between him and the team.

Leandro Trossard (6/10):

Put a decent chance over in the first half and missed another good one after the break. Bright and lively on the left, showed good strength at times as well, but his finishing was wayward.

Subs & Manager

Declan Rice (7/10):

Produced one outstanding line splitting pass to open Olympiacos up. It deserved to lead to a goal, but Trossard couldn’t finish.

Jurrien Timber (6/10):

Replaced the tiring White and slotted in well.

Bukayo Saka (8/10):

Made a big difference after coming on. Set up a great chance for Odegaard and then killed the game off himself when he made it 2-0.

Eberechi Eze (6/10):

Played one fabulous cross field pass for Saka.

Cristhian Mosquera (6/10):

On for the injured Gabriel.

Mikel Arteta (7/10):

He’ll be scratching his head at how his side had to wait so long before killing the game. Made some changes and got some important minutes in some players legs, but will be disappointed by the finishing. Another of his substitute’s came off the bench to score though.