Olympiacos 0-3 Arsenal: Player Ratings

Arsenal

P. Cech – 8

The one man who Arsenal fans wished played a part in the reverse fixture at the Emirates this season was undoubtedly Petr Cech. Tested occasionally by the Olympiacos attack, Cech pulled off routine blocks and catches and showed his experience in the odd occasion the Arsenal defence were caught out by a counter-attack.

L Koscielny – 7.5

The difference the absence of the Frenchman makes to the Arsenal backline was evident from the games away to Bayern and Norwich City, and the central defender put in another commanding display as Arsenal kept a clean sheet.

H. Bellerin – 7

Hector Bellerin has not been the same marauding right back who had Douglas Costa in his pocket and provided an assist for the ages for Mesut Ozil in the game against Bayern at home. His lost form may be attributed to the injury which he sustained that kept him out of action for a while, but apart from conceding cheap fouls occasionally, the Spaniard put in a tidy performance.

N. Monreal – 7

Had a tough start to the game but showed why he was one of the most highly rated left-backs in the League with an excellent performance. His movements going forward were always a threat and he secured the penalty with his shot that took a deflection off a defender’s arm.

P. Mertesacker – 7

In a game where the margin of victory was more critical than the result itself, Mertesacker almost gifted Olympiacos a goal when he just dozed off to let Ideye clear on goal, only for Koscielny to mop up for him. Settled down soon and with his partner Koscielny, he managed to keep the opposition attack under wraps for most of the game as Arsenal came away with an important win.

M. Flamini – 7

The veteran midfielder and recently turned renewable energy tycoon almost opened the scoring for the Gunners when he had an effort which clipped just off the crossbar. He had a good game and Wenger will hope he keeps deputizing for Coquelin as efficiently as he is.

A. Ramsey – 8

The Welshman has been relishing his return to his favoured central midfield role, and with 2 assists and 1 goal in his two games in that position, Arsenal have not missed Cazorla too keenly. He supplied Giroud with an excellent cross for Arsenal’s opener and the path is clear for him to have an extended run in the engine room, and fans will hope that he repeats his heroics of the 13-14 season.

M. Ozil – 7.5

Arsenal’s worst nightmare almost surfaced when reports emerged that Ozil had fitness issues before the match, but thankfully he was able to make the team sheet. Such is the imperious form he is in, that you would be forgiven for saying that he had an off day for not having a return of any goals or assists.

Though not at his best, Ozil had a hand to play in the game and saw a wonderful free kick from the edge of the box kept out by the keeper.

T. Walcott – 7

Theo returned to the line-up as Wenger put up his best frontline from the available options in an attempt to attain the requisite margin of victory to qualify. He kept tormenting the frontline with his speedy and incisive runs, but was replaced by Wenger for the defensive Gibbs in an attempt to keep him fresh for the Premier League.

J. Campbell – 8

Joel Campbell returned to one of the many grounds where he spent time out at loan, but where he had maximum impact with a return of 8 goals including the goal that sent United crashing out in the 11-12 season. Enterprising in attack and always tracking back to help his team, Campbell produced a moment of genuine quality with his assist for Giroud and Arsenal’s second goal of the night.

O. Giroud – 9

After a tame header straight at Roberto from what was pretty much Arsenal’s first chance of the game, Giroud duly made amends by applying the finishing touches to Ramsey’s excellent cross for the opener. He held up the ball well and brought his teammates into the game.

A night he will cherish as he secured a fine hat-trick as he looks to banish the demons of last season’s failed Champions League campaign.

Substitutes

Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain – N/A.

Brought on by Wenger to wind down the clock.

Calum Chambers – N/A.

Brought on by Wenger to wind down the clock.

Kieran Gibbs – 6.5

Took Walcott’s spot on the left wing, and was brought on after the result was a foregone conclusion.