Martinelli on target as Arsenal battle past Olympiacos

LONDON :When Gabriel Martinelli scored for the second successive Champions League match to give Arsenal an early lead against Olympiacos on Wednesday a routine night beckoned for the hosts but in the end there were sighs of relief for a gritty 2-0 victory.

Arsenal needed a stoppage-time goal by substitute Bukayo Saka to finally see off Olympiacos and allow them to join five other sides with six points from their opening two group games.

Until Saka found the net it looked as though Olympiacos, who had won on their last three visits to the Emirates Stadium, could return to Greece with some deserved reward.

But they were unable to puncture Arsenal's rearguard and will need to pick up some momentum after managing only one point so far in the group.

"Very happy, winning in the Champions League is always complicated," Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said. "(Goalkeeper) David (Raya) had to make an incredible save to deny them a goal. We got a little bit deeper and they were very dangerous."

Martinelli scored and assisted in Arsenal's opening Champions League win away at Athletic Bilbao and also grabbed a last-gasp equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Manchester City in the Premier League this season.

He again proved his knack of scoring important goals when he converted from close range after Viktor Gyokeres's shot bounced back off the post.

Arteta had made six changes to the side that started the dramatic win at Newcastle United at the weekend, with captain Martin Odegaard returning and Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze and Saka all taking a place on a high-calibre bench.

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The depth in quality of Arsenal's squad was quickly apparent as the home side began in silky fashion with Olympiacos chasing shadows in the early stages.

Martinell