It was a fantastic team effort put up by the Gunners on a night that demanded a special performance from the team to stay in the competition, and at a place where they lost in all of their previous 3 attempts. Let us look at how the players fared.
Petr Cech- 8/10
Had the support of a determined defense which was tested in the initial stages of the match, put up a convincing show. Made the save when called into action and ensured that Arsenal didn’t concede.
Hector Bellerin- 6.5/10
Got isolated in the first 20 minutes due to lack of defensive cover from Walcott. Was troubled often by Olympiacos’s left-hand side wide men, but somehow managed to keep them silent. Didn’t contribute much offensively either. Not really one of his best games in an Arsenal shirt.
Per Mertesacker- 7/10
His side was targeted by Olympiacos and he was troubled a lot, in the beginning, but grew into the game and maintained solidity in defense. Made a crucial goal-saving tackle.
Laurent Koscielny- 8.5/10
Had a fantastic match. He was quick, read the game brilliantly, complemented Mertesacker well, and kept the Greek attack at bay for most parts of the match. Cleared off across that might have very well led to a goal.
Nacho Monreal- 7/10
Had his occasional struggles in keeping pace with Pardo, which wasn’t helped much by Walcott’s poor defensive contribution after the wings were switched. Decent offensive contributions and it was his cross that led to the penalty. Overall, a decent game but could have been better.
Mathieu Flamini- 7.5/10
Was unlucky to hit the crossbar with his deflected shot. He had a classic Mathieu Flamini-like game, made those rash tackles and slowed down their counter attacks. Was probably lucky to escape a yellow card after his foul was taken advantage of by the Greeks, and the referee didn’t come back to it.
Aaron Ramsey- 8.5/10
He played in his preferred central role and showed why he is an example of a world-class box-to-box midfielder. As much as he got involved in the attack, he didn’t forget his defensive duties and made some good tackles here and there. Took one yellow card for the team. It was a telling cross that he provided that was headed home by Olivier Giroud.
Joel Campbell- 9/10
Undoubtedly his best game for Arsenal, yet. He has immense potential, and he combined it with immense work rate and involvement to produce a fantastic performance. Played a cute pass that resulted in Giroud’s second goal. He is gradually improving and rewarding Wenger for not selling him in the summer.
Mesut Ozil- 8.5/10
Scintillating as ever. Did his job perfectly well. Always kept looking for those key passes. Played a fantastic ball into Ramsey in the build-up to the first goal.
Theo Walcott- 6.5/10
In whichever flank he played, he didn’t come back and defend and always isolated his full back. It is only his first start since the injury and played in the more recently under-preferred role of a winger. Made a couple of incisive runs and managed a shot on goal, though off target it was. His runs were good, but he just didn’t get the ball much. Was replaced by Kieran Gibbs ultimately.
Olivier Giroud- 9.5/10
Man of the hour and star of the show. A perfect performance from the center forward, and really couldn’t have asked for more from him. Recovered well and immediately from the ankle injury to score his second of the night. Excellent hold-up play won almost every aerial duel and ensured that Petr Cech’s goal kicks resulted in Arsenal maintaining possession. Worked really hard for the team. Undisputed man of the match.
Kieran Gibbs- N/A
Came on for Theo Walcott and did some good pressing. Helped his team keep up the clean sheet.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain- N/A
Came on for Joel Campbell, couldn’t have much impact on the game, however.
Calum Chambers- N/A
Played in the defensive midfield role and had a couple of touches, after he was subbed on for Giroud. Didn’t impact the game much.
