Three things we learned from Arsenal win as Martin Odegaard nurtures new partnership | OneFootball

The skipper was purring in the centre, much to Viktor Gyokeres’ benefit

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Arsenal continued their perfect start to this season’s Champions League by beating Olympiacos.

The Gunners, however, claimed all three points and have now won both their opening games in Europe this season.

And, here, Standard Sport looks at three things we learned from the win over Olympiacos…

Action Images via Reuters

Odegaard runs the show

Arteta opted to make six changes to the team that beat Newcastle on Sunday and one of those that came in was Martin Odegaard.

The Arsenal captain has had a disrupted start to the season, with a shoulder injury meaning this was just his fourth start.

The Norwegian looked like a man with a point to prove and he put in an impressive performance in the heart of midfield.

Olympiacos gave Odegaard far too much space, especially in the first half, and he took full advantage.

It was his through-ball that led to the opening goal, with Viktor Gyokeres' shot saved and Martinelli tapping home the rebound.

Gyokeres and Odegaard have not had time to form an understanding, but there was early evidence, here, of a lethal partnership.

Gyokeres thrived off Odegaard’s willingness to play balls in behind and, on another night, he could have found the net once or twice.

In the end, it was Saka who profited off Odegaard, with the Norwegian finding the winger to score a second goal in the final few minutes.

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Saka shines off the bench

It is an indication of Arsenal’s strength in depth this season that Arteta could afford to have Saka on the bench for this game.

In years gone by, such a scenario would have been unthinkable, with Arteta previously stressing how the top players need to play 60 to 70 games a season.

The relentless calendar means that is simply not possible and Saka was showed the value of having him as a substitute.

The winger came on with around 20 minutes to go and he instantly looked threat, creating a great chance for Odegaard after beating his full-back.

Saka came on at the same time as Eberechi Eze and the two raised the tempo, causing problems by swapping wings at times.

Indeed, Saka’s goal came after he moved out to the left flank, with his shot squirming through the legs of the Olympiacos goalkeeper.

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Raya makes his play for save of the season

On paper, a 2-0 scoreline made this look like a routine win for Arsenal - but it was not without its nervy moments.

David Raya was forced to make a stunning save in the first half, diving full stretch to keep out Daniel Podence’s volley.

The Arsenal goalkeeper was busier than expected and Olympiacos looked lively whenever they were able to get forward.

The hosts also had an effort ruled out for offside and this was not the comfortable evening many had predicted.

Olympiacos have, in fairness, proved tricky opposition for Arsenal in the past. Before tonight, they had won all three of their last visits to Emirates Stadium.

In fact, you had to go back 13 years to find the last time the Gunners beat them at home, back when Arteta was still playing.

That run is now over and Arsenal have made a perfect start to this season’s Champions League.