The Gunners left it late − again! Two goals from Robin van Persie (Robin van ‘PerFect’) and Andrei Arshavin (the ‘Atom Ant’) in the last 12 minutes finally ended the deadlock against Greek side Olympiacos FC giving Arsenal complete control of Champions League Group H so far.
Arsenal started cautiously (not to ignore was the fact that they had fallen behind by two goals within the first five minutes against Standard de Liege in their CL opener two weeks ago when they had to “give it all” to come back with 2 late goals in the second half and secure a 3:2 win) but slowly began checking-out the Olympiacos defense and putting on pressure after 15 minutes into the game, then totally dominating until the final whistle.
Dressed in “funeral black”, the Greek side completed the game with complete lack of spirit and “joy of life” defending so deep throughout the whole 90 minutes that Gunners 3rd goalie Vito Mannone almost fell asleep at times.
Thumbs up for Olympiacos goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis (in particular), Andrei Arshavin, Cesc Fàbregas and Gaël Clichy.
Thumbs deep down for Olympiacos coach Arthur Zico for instructing his side to not play football, but rather focus on ‘building a wall’ in defense with 11 men – and not even trying to pass the half-line 95% of the total time!
Best decision: Wenger bringing in Carlos Vela for Abou Diaby late in the second half. − It seems like Diaby is still a little short of confidence since scoring an own goal at Old Trafford on game-week three ...
