Arsenal beats Olympiacos 2-0 – Recap and Video Highlights – Tuesday, September 29, 2009

One of the key matches on Tuesday’s set of UEFA Champions League group stages matches as English side Arsenal hosting Greek side Olympiacos. Here’s a full recap of the match along with video highlights from Tuesday, September 29, 2009.

Arsenal beats Olympiacos 2-0 – Video Highlights

Arsenal dominated possession early but the Olympiacos defense held firm for the first few minutes. The home side, playing in front of a packed Emirates Stadium, nearly scored in the 13th minute as Arshavin had a great opportunity. Some great passing led to the Russian’s chance but a nice diving save kept it scoreless. Arsenal really started to get pressure on the Olympiacos defense around this time and a goal seemed imminent.

In the 16th minute Arsenal again got a great chance and was denied by the post. It was a typical Arsenal performance where they outclassed their opponent with great passing and attacking. The Olympiacos goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis was very busy in the first half as he had to routinely make saves to keep his team in the match. Fabregas had a great shot in the 26th minute as Arsenal was denied by Nikopolidis. The visiting team rarely threatened the Arsenal defense and was on defense for most of the first half.

The first half came to a close with Arsenal still searching for the first goal that would likely lead to several more in the second half. Arsenal would fail to score despite having a lot of chances while Olympiacos rarely threatened, 0-0 at halftime.

Olympiacos came out much more confident in the second half and get a few chances early including their first corner kick. The Greek side nearly scored off the corner as a header was just saved by Mannone. Arsenal came back in the next few minutes as Van Persie got a shot on goal but it was saved. The second half was much more competitive as Olympiacos picked up their energy level.

With Arsenal unable to convert their chances, the match seemed like it could go either way with about 25 minutes left. As the second half continued on, Arsenal controlled possession and got many chances. The crowd began to get a bit anxious as Arsenal struggled to find the back of the net. Another great chance for Arsenal came in the 73rd minute as a shot as saved and the rebound to Gallas but he couldn’t get it past the keeper as he temporarily lost control of the ball. It was these moments that made it seem like it wasn’t Arsenal’s day even though they’d been the better team.

Finally, Arsenal would find the back of the net as Fabregas sent a through ball for Eduardo who passed to an open Van Persie in front of the net as he easily made it 1-0. The goal was enough (came in the 78th minute) at Olympiacos had hardly any scoring chances all night and couldn’t find an equalizer. Arsenal seemed to play more relaxed after the goal and Olympiacos had an inevitable letdown.

Arsenal scored again in the 86th minute as Arshavin received a pass and flicked it with the back pass shot past the goalkeeper. It was now 2-0 and definitely going to be an Arsenal win as they’d move to 2-0-0 in group play.