Olympiacos v Arsenal | Matches

Wigan Athletic V
Arsenal
3RD DEC 2011

Tuesday 6th December
Kick off: 19:45
Karaiskakis Stadium

Olympiacos
3 – 1
Arsenal

Arsenal V
Everton
10TH DEC 2011

HIGHLIGHTS

FULL MATCH

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Live Text isn't live anymore, this is a record of the match events.

Full Time FT: 3-1. It was a tough, tough encounter for Arsenal tonight and Olympiacos claim a deserved victory. But, with Marseille winning in Dortmund so late, it looks to be in vain. That's so tough on Valderde's side.
90

Substitution WHAT A BLOW FOR THE GREEK SIDE: They make a late change - but it looks in vain. Papazoglou comes on for Djebbour.
Top Comments:
- Tim Peters on Arsenal Player says:
  
  The crowd has all gone quiet. All of the sudden you can hear a pin drop in the stadium.
90

HEARTBREAK FOR OLYMPIACOS! Mathieu Valbuena has put Marseille 3-2 up! They're going through as it stands!
89

HE'S BEEN PUSHING ALL NIGHT: Mellberg cracks a brilliant header off the post, but Modesto is there to tap in the rebound. An easy finish to seal all three points for Olympiacos.
89

GOAL! - Francois Modesto 3 : 1 THAT'S IT, OLYMPIACOS WILL TAKE THE POINTS TONIGHT.
88

MARSEILLE HAVE EQUALISED: Andre Ayew has bagged for the French side... 2-2 in Dortmund.
87

PROMISING FOR ARSENAL: It's really close to an equaliser. It's Rosicky to Arshavin, who just can't quite reach Oxlade-Chamberlain on the slide. That was a nice move from the Gunners.
86

VERMAELEN BOMBS FORWARD AGAIN: He just loves to get forward, doesn't he? This time he tries to strike one on the angle, but it's blocked. Sadly the final touch was off him.
Top Comments:
- Joe_Gladstone on Twitter says:
  
  Literally vermaelen shows so much passion and desire, if only all players had that...
84

OOHHH, SO CLOSE TO A THIRD! It's Mannone who makes sure Arsenal are still in this. Modesto has seen several sights of goal tonight, and this time forces the Italian into a good save.
Top Comments:
- SwaritSohaard on Twitter says:
  
  Woh that was a close shave for Manone. Somehow he managed to save the ball from going back into the nets
83

OLYMPIACOS JOINING US AS IT STANDS: What a turn up that would be. They wouldn't have fancied their chances too much at the start, but they've surprised everybody this campaign.
82

POOR FROM CHAMAKH: Arshavin does well to eventually find the striker out wide, but a promising Arsenal move is eventually halted by the Moroccan's stray pass.
81

Yellow Card YELLOW FOR OX: He picks up a booking for unsporting behaviour.
81

STAY ONLINE AFTER THE GAME: Dan Roebuck and Arsenal legend Charlie George will be taking your calls in our post-match discussion. CALL +44 (0) 207 607 3200 or E-MAIL studio@arsenal.co.uk at the final whistle.
80

MIRALLAS HITS THE SIDE NETTING: The striker beats Miquel with ease after the youngster slips, before firing just wide.
80

HAVE YOUR SAY ON TWITTER: What are your thoughts on the game? We want to hear them at the #ArsenalLive hashtag.
79

THE OX IS FEARLESS: If he wants to beat a man, there's not too much you can do to stop him with that pace of his.
Top Comments:
- AnieMike07 on Twitter says:
  
  Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is obviously a gem of a player... I see a burgeoning star
78

STILL TIME FOR AN EQUALISER: Who would bet against it? It's looked unlikely, but anything can happen. Arsenal have at least shown signs of improvement in this second half.
Top Comments:
- GiGi_DLR9 on Twitter says:
  
  Game is looking better... We now look like we putting up a fight n not dominated
76

...BUT HE SHOULD CONTINUE: He doesn't have too much choice in fairness. All three subs have been used by Arsenal too. Looks like he'll be able to shrug it off.
75

MANNONE IS HOLDING HIS ARM: This doesn't look too good - remember, he was a substitute himself after Fabianski got injured.
75

GREAT CHANCE ROSICKY! Experience combines as Benayoun feeds the Czech international, but his attempted lob over the keeper is saved.
Top Comments:
- Tim Peters on Twitter says:
  
  Lovely link up between Rosicky and Benayoun. That was so much better!
74

BOSS RINGING AROUND THE STADIUM: That's because Arsenal have the ball. For the first time in the game, Olympiacos are not dominating.
72

CHELSEA THREE UP: They're going through to the next stage with ease - Drogba gets his second.
71

IT'S QUIETENED DOWN: The dust seems to have settled somewhat in Greece. Olympiacos don't necessarily need to score again, they just need to ensure that they win.
68

SLOPPY DEFENDING FROM ARSENAL: Squillaci is the guilty party as he misplaces a simple ball. Olympiacos win a corner, which is eventually fired well wide and over by Modesto.
68

NICO AND OZZY WILL HAVE TO WAIT: They would have been desperate to get their chance tonight, but sadly it's not to be for the young duo. They'll get there eventually.
67

Substitution ROSICKY COMES ON: It's a return from injury for the experienced midfielder. Francis Coquelin, who has been quiet tonight, comes off.
66

FRIMPONG FOULS PAPADOPOULOS: He's got to be careful...
64

Substitution DAVID FUSTER COMES OFF: He was a bit of a doubt before the game, so it's no surprise to see him heading off. Djamel Addoun comes on in his place.
63

ARSENAL PICKING UP PACE: They can smell a leveller if they get their heads together...
Top Comments:
- Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
  
  When you go up by two goals you start to drop off and start to protect that lead. That will play well for Arsenal.
61

Yellow Card FRIMPONG GETS A YELLOW: That was a little careless from the youngster. He goes in late on an Olympiacos man and picks up a booking.
59

GAME ON: Now what for Arsenal? They've barely been in this game, but it matters not when you can finish your chances. They're back in this tie and it's wide open once more.
58

BUT OLYMPIACOS SHOULD HAVE A THIRD! Mannone hesitates and Arsenal nearly pay as Modesto heads just wide. He should have put that in.
58

MIQUEL AND CHAMAKH COMBINE: The young substitute crosses for the Moroccan, who does well to chest into the path of Benayoun. The Israeli catches the volley brilliantly and finds the corner. Excellent goal.
Top Comments:
- JohanOtbaG on Twitter says:
  
  Impact sub Iggy Miquel changed the whole game since coming on!
57

THAT'S WHAT HAPPENS: I spoke moments ago about him getting involved more - and he comes up with the goods.
Top Comments:
- yazbanz on Twitter says:
  
  Stunning VOLLEY! Now there's some life into it. C'mon we can turn this around
57

GOAL! - Yossi Benayoun 2 : 1 ARSENAL PULL ONE BACK! CRACKING STRIKE FROM BENAYOUN!
54

TAKEN QUICKLY: The Greeks go with one to catch the Gunners off guard - but the resulting effort flies over the bar.
54

OLYMPIACOS STILL ON TOP: Mirallas is a contender for man of the match so far, and wins his sidde another corner.
53

BENAYOUN HASN'T GOT INTO THIS YET: The Israeli midfielder has barely had chance to touch the ball tonight. Arsenal could do with using him a bit more if they can.
52

SOLID START FROM MIQUEL: The youngster is quick into the action, heading away Olof Mellberg's goalbound strike.
51

Substitution IGGY IS ON: Injuries are the last thing Arsenal need tonight. You'd like to think Santos has been withdrawn as a precaution. Miquel gets another shot.
51

MIRALLAS GOES CLOSE: In the end it's a good block from Djourou. The striker looks to turn him inside out, but the Swiss defender gets a good foot in.
Top Comments:
- Tim Peters on Arsenal Player says:
  
  Every time Olympiacos comes forward it looks like they are going to score.
49

NO SPARK JUST YET: Arsenal have started in a similar vein to the first half. Their work may be done, but there are plenty of players with a point to prove tonight.
47

MANNONE SAVES WELL: It's a powerful strike from Modesto, but the Italian gets down well and pushes the ball out.
Top Comments:
- lulumr on Twitter says:
  
  Please don't fuel the internet fires trying to burn Mannone. He made a mistake, not worth a witch hunt.
46

WHAT WILL WENGER HAVE SAID? Of course, he won't have unleashed the hairdryer on his side, that would be completely unnecessary. But a prod in the right direction will definitely help Arsenal in the second half.
46

AND THEY'RE OFF AGAIN: It's Olympiacos who kick us off for the second half. Dortmund hold a 2-1 lead against Marseille.
Top Comments:
- Charlie George on Arsenal Player says:
  
  The plus points are that when we go forward we look like we can score a goal. But there just doesn’t seem to be any communication on the pitch
Half Time HT: 0-2. Arsenal trail by two goals after strikes from Rafik Djebbour and David Fuster. Olympiacos have a deserved lead after a dominant half at the Karaiskakis Stadium. It's certainly been a learning experience for the younger players - hopefully they'll come out guns blazing in the second half.
Top Comments:
- Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
  
  There is enough quality out there to get a result but the play has been sloppy and careless. But we’ve had chances and I think we’ll still get some chances in the second half.
45

CHELSEA AHEAD AT THE BREAK: Didier Drogba and Ramires have put the Blues two goals to the good at Stamford Bridge. As it stands they're top. Crisis? What crisis?
45

VERMAELEN HEADS WIDE: Where did he come from? The marauding Belgian gets his head onto a cross - but that's troubling nobody.
45

DJOUROU GET AWAY WITH IT: It's poor defending from the Swiss right-back, who hesitates inside the box and gives the ball away. But the eventual shot is weak and Mannone holds on.
Top Comments:
- Tim Peters on Arsenal Player says:
  
  I know we have Sagna out and Gibbs out on the other side and Jenkinson out as well. We have had some problems at right back, but Djourou just doesn’t look comfortable in that position.
45

A TESTING FIRST HALF: Arsenal just haven't been able to get involved in this game yet. To their great credit, Olympiacos have looked incredibly impressive so far.
Top Comments:
- SamHutton6 on Twitter says:
  
  I'd be bothered about losing if we weren't already through. Better position than any other English club
45

FIVE MINUTES ADDED ON: Two goals and a few injuries have culminated in plenty of added time.
Top Comments:
- aweakmilkyBrew on Twitter says:
  
  Could tell in the first 10 minutes we weren't on it tonight, strange team selection and they are playing like strangers
44

CHAMAKH WANTS A PENALTY: The challenge came in from Papadopoulos - but the Moroccan's theatrics did him no favours there.
43

OLYMPIACOS HAVE IMPRESSED: I don't think Arsenal have quite woken up yet. Did they expect this kind of performance from the hosts? Either way, these youngsters will not shy away from the challenge.
Top Comments:
- Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
  
  Arsenal need to sneak a goal and reorganize at half-time. If it does into the second half at 2-1, Olympiacos will really be under pressure
42

DJEBBOUR NODS WIDE: The goalscorer tries to flick on a corner, but watches as the ball hits the side netting. It should have been another corner - but it wasn't given.
40

TOROSIDIS WITH A GREAT RUN: The captain strides into the Arsenal area but sees his cross eventually batted away. Squillaci does well with the second cross, before Vermaelen retrieves the third. Arsenal at sixes and sevens at the moment.
39

VITO WON'T WATCH THAT IN A HURRY: He could have caught it, punched it - but instead the young Italian tries to kick it away. This gives Arsenal so much work to do. But Olympiacos are loving the night.
39

REACH THE COMMENTARY TEAM: Send an email to Tim Peters and Martin Hayes at studio@arsenal.co.uk.
38

WHAT DO YOU THINK ON TWITTER? Get involved at the #ArsenalLive hashtag.
37

Substitution HOLEBAS IS OFF: Pablo Orbaiz comes on in his place.
37

MANNONE WITH A HOWLER: The Italian does well to head away after Frimpong was caught in possession - but Fuster's effort on the rebound is completely missed by the substitute. He can only watch in horror as the ball trickles into the net.
Top Comments:
- EM_Wavez on Twitter says:
  
  Whether we need the win or not this aint good enough
36

GOAL! - David Fuster 2 : 0 WHAT A DISASTER! A FREAK GOAL FOR DAVID FUSTER!
35

BREAKING NEWS: We're hearing that there is actually a game on tonight. Apparently it's not Holby City we're tuning into after all.
33

NOW PAPADOPOULOS IS DOWN: He challenged Chamakh in the air and looks to be worse off. I'm not too sure where he picked up an injury from there, but he's still down.
Top Comments:
- johnny_monolith on Twitter says:
  
  I think the guy with the stretcher is man of the match at the moment
31

BENAYOUN JUST WIDE: It's the first we've seen of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. He clips the ball back to Benayoun, who scuffs wide of the target.
Top Comments:
- Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
  
  Positive play from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Arsenal definitely have the pace over the Olympiacos defence. We’ll see if they can take advantage of that.
31

HOLEBAS DOESN'T LOOK TOO CLEVER: He hurt himself in that challenge too. It looked an honest effort in fairness.
29

Yellow Card COQUELIN LOOKS IN TROUBLE: The Frenchman went down under the challenge from Holebas - and he looks in great pain.
28

ARSENAL STRUGGLING TO GET THE BALL DOWN: Since Arshavin's early effort, the Gunners haven't been in this game in truth.
26

DORTMUND ARE AHEAD: The Germans need a big scoreline against Marseille. Jakub Blaszczykowski puts them one goal to the good.
25

Substitution MANNONE IS ON: Not the early substitution Wenger would have had in mind. But Fabianski won't be able to go on and the Italian gets his chance.
24

FABIANSKI IS DOWN: He was hurt from trying to stop that Mirallas effort. Vito Mannone looks set to replace him here.
23

OLYMPIACOS GO CLOSE AGAIN: It's another ball into the box but Vermaelen ushers it out - just. An electric opening from the hosts.
Top Comments:
- Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
  
  Several times tonight Djourou has shown me he is a centre half playing right back
22

MIRALLAS SO CLOSE! Fabianski's clearance is poor and the Belgian has a crack from range. The Arsenal keeper is scrambling but the ball drops just wide.
Top Comments:
- Tim Peters on Arsenal Player says:
  
  Everytime they come forward there is panic in the Arsenal defence
21

ARSHAVIN HAS A GO: Santos pulls back for the winger, who slices his effort horribly wide. A goal would do him the world of good.
Top Comments:
- Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
  
  If Olympiacos are going to continue to press, it leaves Arsenal open for the counter-attack. And that suits Arsenal
19

OLYMPIACOS THROUGH AS IT STANDS: We're still early in the night but Ernesto Valverde's side will go through if it remains goalless in Dortmund. This isn't what the German side wanted.
18

HOW WILL ARSENAL RESPOND? It's an early setback for Arsene Wenger's side - but remember, the pressure is, of course, off. Really good start to this one.
Top Comments:
- DeFootballOma on Twitter says:
  
  The boss needs to tell @Frimpong26AFC to sit back and cover the back four.. They need to balance out their positioning
17

THE IN-FORM STRIKER TAKES HIS CHANCE: Djebbour rounds Fabianski in no-man's land after some poor Arsenal defending, before slotting home for the opener. Eight goals in 10 games for the Algerian.
16

GOAL! - Rafik Djebbour 1 : 0 THERE'S THE OPENER! DJEBBOUR GETS IT!
16

TAKEN SHORT AND LOST: The Greeks have wasted that one, with the eventual cross headed away comfortably.
15

DJEBBOUR GOES CLOSE! Mirallas picks out Djebbour with another fine cross but the Algerian can't quite get there first and Olympiacos win a corner.
14

DOUBLE CHANCE FOR ARSENAL! First of all Chamakh, who has started lively, sees his shot well cut out by Mellberg. The Moroccan wins the ball back and lays it back for Frimpong, who shoots narrowly wide of the mark.
Top Comments:
- Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
  
  If Olympiacos are going to continue to press it leaves Arsenal open for the counter-attack. And that suits Arsenal.
13

SUPER CROSS FROM SANTOS: Arshavin feeds the Brazilian down the left, who drills a lovely ball into the box. Encouraging, but there was nobody there to get the touch on it.
11

VALVERDE SHAKES HIS HEAD: He knows his side can't afford to waste too much tonight. Looks like there'll be plenty of chances for both teams tonight.
10

GOOD BALL MIRALLAS: The Belgia whips in a lovely ball from the left, but there's nobody there to get a touch.
9

THAT WAS A REAL CHANCE: Olympiacos are pushing up so far in these early stages as they look for the win - but that left plenty of space.
8

GREAT CHANCE ARSHAVIN! Chamakh makes a good run and pulls back for Russian, who sees his lot shot saved excellently by 21-year-old Balazs Megyeri.
Top Comments:
- Tim Peters on Arsenal Player says:
  
  It was a real opportunity for Arshavin. Either side of the goalkeeper and it would have been 0-1 to Arsenal
6

POSITIVE START FROM ARSENAL: Arshavin strides forward and gets himself into a good position - but the final ball is poor. He can do much better than that.
4

Yellow Card SILLY CHALLENGE: Papadopoulos picks up a yellow card for a poor challenge on Emmanuel Frimpong.
Top Comments:
- Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
  
  A silly challenge. If they start picking up these kind of bookings they’ll have to tread carefully.
2

FIRST CHANCE OLYMPIACOS! It's the hosts who go close early on here. Fabianski was untroubled, but a Olympiacos body almost bundled in Kevin Mirallas' cross.
1

AND THEY'RE OFF: Arsenal get us underway in Greece.
Top Comments:
- reubencrick4 on Twitter says:
  
  Prediction for the Arsenal game 2-0, with goals from Benayoun and AOC
TEAMS IN THE TUNNEL: Thomas Vermaelen will lead out the Arsenal tonight, in their black and blue away strip.
Top Comments:
- Safianu_Ado on Twitter says:
  
  Make me proud young gunners! Show the world why Arsenal is the only classy team in the world!!!
WHO DOES EVERYBODY WANT THROUGH? As mentioned earlier, all three teams have the capabilities to reach the knockout stage. My money's on Marseille to do so.
KARAISKAKIS STADIUM BOUNCING ALREADY: You can see a large section of the crowd on their feet in motion already - and we've still got just under 15 minutes until kick-off. They were the same at Emirates Stadium.
E-MAIL THE COMMENTARY TEAM: You can get in touch with Tim Peters and Martin Hayes at studio@arsenal.co.uk.
OUTNUMBERED BUT NOT OUTGUNNED: There should be around 650 Arsenal fans in the Karaiskakis Stadium tonight. They're good travellers though, those Gunners...
BIG NIGHT FOR DUO: You get the feeling Andrey Arshavin and Marouane Chamakh will be more hungry than usual to play well tonight. Both of them know they haven't been up to their own standards this season.
GET INVOLVED ON TWITTER: As usual you can join all the discussion at the #ArsenalLive hashtag.
...BUT A DRAW MAY BE GOOD ENOUGH? If Marseille lose by more than two goals and Olympiacos only draw - I think it's the Greek side who go through on goal difference and/or goals scored. It's all very complicated at this stage.
OLYMPIACOS PROBABLY NEED VICTORY: I've been racking my brain all day about possible outcomes tonight. All three teams below Arsenal can go through.
...AND ON THE BENCH: There's plenty to be hopeful about. Oguzhan Ozyakup has been a big hit in the Reserves this season, while Ignasi Miquel and Craig Eastmond have a little more first-team experience between them. Elsewhere, Nico Yennaris will also be hoping for his first taste of European action.
CHANCE FOR YOUTH TO SHINE: As expected, the combative duo of Frimpong and Coquelin keep their places after their encouraging displays against City. Can we expect more of the same? You certainly wouldn't bet against it.
VERMAELEN AND SANTOS IN: Maybe it's me being slightly naive, but I didn't really expect either to be involved tonight. It all makes sense though after Wenger himself admitted he would name an experienced defence.
Top Comments:
- llanciawn on Twitter says:
  
  Not too bad, I was hoping he was going to give some of the younger lads a run around!
SUBSTITUTES: Mannone, Miquel, Yennaris, Eastmond, Ozyakup, Rosicky, Park.
ARSENAL: Fabianski, Djourou, Vermaelen, Squillaci, Santos, Frimpong, Coquelin, Benayoun, Arshavin, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Chamakh.
TEAM NEWS: It's, as expected, a similar team to that which battled so hard against Man City. A couple of surprise in defence though, perhaps?
PUT YOUR FEET UP: Follow all tonight's action with us - stress free - and enjoy as the other English sides' fight for their right to be in the last 16 of the competition.
GOOD EVENING: Welcome to live coverage of Arsenal's trip to face Olympiacos (kick-off 7.45pm). Normally "crucial" would be included very early in these ties - but Arsenal already have the job done.