Arsenal overturned a seemingly frustrating game to win 3-1 away at Olympiakos in their first-leg round of 16 tie as Spurs also enjoyed an easy win on the night leaving only Manchester United as the only English side who played a draw.
The Gunners had late goals scored by Gabriel Malaghaes and a belter from Mohamed Elneny after yet another horrendous defense almost cost them.
The Gunners dominated for the largest part in Athens and went ahead deservedly before half-time as Martin Odegaard’s long-range shot earned him his first goal for the club - although Olympiakos missed a gilt-edged chance to level from a David Luiz error.
Shortly after half-time, the hosts had less mercy on the visitors following another defensive mix-up when Dani Ceballos was robbed by Youssef El-Arabi as he miss-controlled an ill-conceived pass from Bernd Leno before the Olympiakos top scorer levelled from distance.
Arsenal, however, were much more determined this time around as they wouldn’t allow a repeat of last year’s Europa League when this same team knocked them out.
They seemed out of sorts but 11 minutes from time, the North London club restored their lead when Gabriel pounced to power home Willian’s cross before substitute Elneny fired in a powerful third to give Mikel Arteta’s side a commanding lead ahead of next week’s second leg in north London.
Stats and facts from the match (Backed by Opta)
- Arsenal have won eight of their nine UEFA Europa League games this season (D1), and are the highest scorers in the competition so far this term (27 goals).
- Having won their first three home meetings with Arsenal in all competitions, Olympiakos have now lost their last three against the Gunners at home.
- Willian has provided more assists for Arsenal in all competitions than any other player this season (7), including setting up all three of Gabriel Magalhães’ strikes for the Gunners.
- All four of Mohamed Elneny’s goals for Arsenal have come in European competition (1x Champions League, 3x Europa League), with three of those coming from outside the box.
- Martin Ødegaard’s first half strike was his first ever goal for Arsenal. The Gunners have now had more different goalscorers in the UEFA Europa League this season than any other side (14).
- No player has made more errors leading to a goal in the Europa League this season than Arsenal’s Dani Ceballos (2), with the Spaniard’s two errors coming in his last two games (also vs Benfica).
- Olympiakos’ Youssef El-Arabi has scored in his last two Europa League games against Arsenal, with his two goals against the Gunners accounting for 50% of his total in the competition.
Tottenham 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb: Harry Kane inspires Spurs to an easy win to take control of Europa League last 16 tie
Tottenham are one step closer to sealing a spot in the quarter-finals of the Europa League as Harry Kane’s double inspires a comfortable 2-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday night.
Kane’s finish put the hosts ahead on 25 minutes before the striker doubled his tally for the evening after pouncing on a slack clearance from Kevin Theophile-Catherine.
The England captain, Harry Kane, would have to wait for his second European hat-trick of the season after he was replaced late on as a precautionary measure following a challenge from Arijan Ademi.
