Arsenal star who holds Champions League record is essential against Olympiacos
Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Olympiacos may hinge on the performance of one key player.
The Gunners defeated Athletic Bilbao on matchday one thanks to late goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
Mikel Arteta’s side reached the semi-final stage of the competition last season before PSG knocked Arsenal out.
Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Newcastle mean they go into their match with Olympiacos having lost just once all season.
Martin Zubimendi key for Arsenal against Olympiacos
Arsenal had 62% possession against Athletic Bilbao, and midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad in the summer, was key to their victory.
As per BBC Sport [30 September], Zubimendi made the most line-breaking passes in the match, 13, which was also the most of a midfielder in the defensive half of all Champions League matches on matchday one.
Arsenal are expected to have the majority of possession against Olympiacos, and Zubimendi may be able to dictate the game from deep to allow Declan Rice to push forward.
| Distance Covered | 11.4KM |
| Successful Passes | 64 |
| Pass Accuracy | 88.9% |
| Long Ball Accuracy | 75% |
Zubimendi brings ‘real presence’ to Arsenal
Arteta said Zubimendi brings a “real presence“, as per TNT Sports, to the Arsenal midfield after their win over Nottingham Forest.
Against Newcastle last time out, Zubimendi won the most tackles and the Spaniard won the majority of his ground and ariel duels.
Zubimendi’s lovely outside of the boot pass to Jurrien Timber nearly grabbed him a fine assist at Newcastle, and his two goals against Forest shows he can contribute too going forward.
The 26-year-old has started all but one game this season, and is proving to be a smart purchase by Arteta in the transfer market.