Poor finishing leaves youngsters without deserved victory.
We produced twice as many shots on target as the undefeated Greek league leaders but Carlos Vela was guilty of missing two straight forward one on ones with the ancient Greek ‘keeper, Nikopolidis, and the youngest team ever to play in the Champions League failed to get on the score sheet.
Leonardo produced an isolated, determined burst to net the only goal when the ball fell to him fortuitously following Kyle Bartley’s sliding challenge. For the rest of the match the Greeks lumbered across the pitch chasing the shadows of our technically efficient youngsters. It was a slick team performance from Arsenal but Olympiacos will not progress beyond the next round if they play with such a lack of inspiration again.
Aaron Ramsey was the stand out player and played two incredible through balls for the rusty Theo Walcott to squander but it was his relentless work rate that really caught the eye. Fran Merida also looked assured in midfield and it was only the attackers finishing that gave any hint that this wasn’t a first team playing the Champions League.
Wenger will be pleased but the real football begins again at Anfield on Sunday.