Source: Telegraph
Olympiakos 1 Arsenal 0: match report
Arsène Wenger had predicted that Arsenal would have the quality to cool what he called a 'hot' Athens atmosphere but, for the second time in eight days, his young team had their fingers burned. [LNB]True, defeat here in Athens was far less disappointing and emphatic than last week's Carling Cup exit at Manchester City, but it was still another lesson in the importance of turning possession into goals against more streetwise opposition. [LNB] Related ArticlesSevilla 1 Rangers 0Champions League actionChampions League tablesChampions League fixturesMore on the World Cup 2010Sport on televisionIt was also a fourth defeat in six matches, although that statistic can be mitigated by the fact that Arsenal had already qualified for the knockout phase of Champions League and were creating history by fielding the tournament's youngest-ever team. An average age of just 21 years and 215 days comfortably beat the record set by Ajax six years ago. Indeed, in a city synonymous with ancient history, Arsenal actually provided another appetising glimpse of the future, particularly in midfield where Aaron Ramsey was outstanding. [LNB]Another positive for Wenger ahead of Sunday's trip to Liverpool was Theo Walcott's participation for a full 90 minutes for the first time this season. Prior to last night, Walcott had suffered three different injuries and played only 149 minutes since being selected, against Wenger's wishes, for the European Under-21 Championship. [LNB]The Arsenal line-up was every bit as inexperienced as expected, with five teenagers starting, including a full debut at left-back for the wonderfully named Tom Cruise. With question marks at present over the collective height and physical strength of Wenger's squad, supporters will have been reassured to see that Cruise stands five inches taller than his Hollywood namesake. [LNB]For all the changes since Saturday's 2-0 win over Stoke City, Wenger's ethos is clearly evident throughout the club and Arsenal began by playing the sort of passing football that prompted Zico, the Olympiakos coach, to compare their style to something from a PlayStation game. [LNB]With Alex Song shielding the back four, some of the interplay between Ramsey and Fran Mérida was hugely impressive and helped to create an early chance for Walcott, who shot straight at Olympiakos goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis. Ramsey then split [LNB]the defence with a clever lofted pass, only for Walcott's first touch to prove just too heavy. [LNB]The movement of Jack Wilshere, as well as his willingness to take responsibility, was another feature of an encouraging first half and further evidence that the 17 year-old is now ready for regular senior football, even if it may have to be on loan elsewhere in the Premier League or Championship. One jinking run into the penalty area particularly caught the eye. [LNB]Yet while Arsenal were comfortable in possession, Olympiakos often carried the greater urgency on the counter-attack and created clear first-half chances of their own. Kostas Mitroglou and Dudu both shot narrowly over, while Luciano Galletti's acrobatic volley grazed the side-netting.[LNB]The pace of Leonardo also troubled Arsenal and, immediately after the restart, he took full advantage of a rather fortuitous break when Kyle Bartley's tackle on Oscar González cannoned into his path. The Brazilian still had plenty to do, yet remained composed to finish precisely beyond Lukasz Fabianski. [LNB]Excellent work down the left from Ramsey quickly provided an inviting chance for Carlos Vela to equalise, but his low shot was well blocked by Nikopolidis. Walcott, Mérida and Vela all missed further opportunities while Ramsey had a header cleared off the line as Olympiakos held firm to qualify as Group H runners-up. [LNB]
