Arsenal Kicks Off Champions League Campaign Against Olympiacos

While the rivalry between Arsenal and Olympiacos may not be among the oldest or grandest in European football, their encounters almost always bring a special atmosphere and unpredictable events. These teams have often treated fans to truly dramatic matches.

A Dramatic History of Clashes

Recall 2015, when David Ospina famously carried a corner into his own net, only for Olivier Giroud to save Arsenal`s Champions League hopes with a brilliant hat-trick. Or six years later, when the Gunners nearly squandered a comfortable first-leg lead with one of their most uninspired European performances. Yet, nothing quite compares to the sheer drama of their 2020-21 Europa League knockout clash at the Emirates Stadium.

Holding a one-goal advantage from their trip to Greece, Arsenal found themselves pegged back in normal time by Pape Abou Cisse. A stunning bicycle kick from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang seven minutes from time seemed to have secured the tie for the Gunners, only for Youssef El-Arabi to equalize in the final minute of extra time. The match also saw Aubameyang miss a crucial late chance, somehow steering the ball wide from close range.

The Mikel Arteta Era and COVID-19 Challenges

This was just a prelude to one of the most remarkable periods in Arsenal`s history. Shortly after that match, Mikel Arteta tested positive for COVID-19, which immediately brought English football to a halt. Having barely begun his managerial career, Arteta witnessed the dawn of an era marked by unusual atmospheres, strange results, and empty stadiums.

Arteta reflects on this period as a crucial stage of his journey, full of difficulties but allowing him to learn a great deal. Taking over such a massive club mid-season without prior head coach experience, followed by a pandemic that cut off direct contact with his players – all of this became an immense challenge that shaped him and the team.

Return to the Champions League

Arsenal now finds itself in a much more advantageous position. The last time they met Olympiacos, it was in the relatively modest confines of the Europa League. Now, Champions League football returns to the Emirates for the first time in many years. Aspirations for further progress are quite realistic, though Arteta remains focused on the upcoming match.

Mikel Arteta emphasizes the team`s ambition to approach each game individually, aiming to outperform their opponent. He understands the importance of home form at this stage and views the upcoming game as an excellent opportunity for a strong start.

Team News and Upcoming Match

Fortunately, no new injury concerns emerged on Tuesday. Although several players are missing – Piero Hincapie, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus – Arteta has enough quality at his disposal to rotate and still field a competitive XI. Following a dramatic late win over Newcastle, the Gunners` upcoming fixture list appears more manageable. The weeks ahead offer a chance to accumulate points somewhat under the radar. For this to happen, however, the Olympiacos match will need to be far less dramatic than their past encounters.