When Bukayo Saka scored the winning goal to seal Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Olympiakos, the atmosphere at the Emirates seemed to be burdened. This was a match where Arsenal always had the advantage of winning, but sometimes the "Gunners" cool down, from thinking about the pace of the game, against an enthusiastic opponent and determined from the beginning to the end of the match.
For Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, there is always a strict review from public opinion. Possessing squad depth has become a new excuse to criticize unimpressive performances. However, sometimes, their task is simply to complete the work with 3 full points.
Two highlights Martin Odegaard and Viktor Gyokeres
In this victory, there were two notable details: Martin Odegaard played the full 90 minutes and Victor Gyokeres as well. The two stars have two different styles but both leave their mark.
Odegaard presented a top-notch match with 84 touches, 4 shots, 1 assist and a series of passes opening up opportunities. As Arsenal's rhythm declined, the Norwegian captain still maintained his elegance, softness, and determination, grace but constantly clashed.
In contrast, Gyokeres became an energetic "weeder". The Swedish striker ran tirelessly, sweeping from start to finish, sometimes clumsily coming in in technique but always brought a direct threat. More importantly, Gyokeres represented something new with a different style of play that Arsenal previously did not have.
The opening goal is the perfect combination
The best moment came in the first half when Odegaard cleverly broke through the space between midfield and defence of Olympiakos, launching a pass that devastated the defense. Gyokeres used his strength to rush past the two defenders, finishing tightly, making goalkeeper Tzolakis unable to catch him. The ball bounced around the post, Martinelli promptly kicked the ball back to open the score.
That was a combination of sophistication and power, a new feature in Arsenal's attack formula. Odegaard is a soft-painted pen, while Gyokeres is a punch that penetrates the wall.
Gyokeres is the "weight" in Arteta's hands
After the goal, Olympiakos did not hesitate to play hard against Gyokeres. He was constantly hit and knocked down but still stood up and continued to fight. This striker does not play as an artist, he has a simple, rough but effective style. Arsenal previously lacked such players, a spearhead ready to break the opponent's defense with strength.
Of course, Gyokeres still needs to improve with more determination in finishing, sharper when the space is narrowed. However, it is this imperfection that creates the feeling that Arsenal still have room to develop. Gyokeres is the final piece in the shaping machine. When they are in a good position, Arsenal's attack will be much stronger than at present.
Martin Odegaard is a true conductor
In contrast to Gyokeres' roughness, Odegaard showed outstanding influence. He is the one who controls the tempo, coordinates the ball, is both an artist who creates breakthrough moments and a constant pressing warrior. At a time when Arsenal had not found a rhythm, the Norwegian star still gave the team the necessary vitality.
A necessary victory on a stressful journey
Overall, this was not a great performance but it took Arsenal to the next round. In the past 6 weeks, the "Gunners" have gone through a series of fierce match schedules from Man United, Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, to Man City, Newcastle and now end with Olympiakos. It was a difficult journey but also affirmed the bravery of Mikel Arteta and his students.
Arteta knows that the real season only starts in October, when the schedule will get more and more dense and the challenges will also be much more difficult. This victory was like Arsenal breathing in the right breath before entering the key period.
