Three Arsenal players who have picked themselves against Olympiacos after what they did vs Newcastle
Mikel Arteta will be able to rely on three players for Arsenal’s champions League clash against Olympiacos following victory at Newcastle.
Gabriel’s 96th minute winner gave Arsenal all three points after Mikel Merino had netted a late equaliser for the Gunners.
Nick Woltemade had put Newcastle ahead in the first half, in which Arsenal were denied a penalty early in the game.
It may prove to be a significant result in the title race, with Arsenal capitalising on Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace to reduce the gap at the top of the table to two points.
Here are three players that should start Arsenal’s next match against Olympiacos
Gabriel
Gabriel not only scored the crucial winning goal, but the Brazilian was colossal at the back up against Nick Woltemade.
With Cristhian Mosquera substituted at half-time for William Saliba following a difficult first half for the 21-year-old, Gabriel had to deal with a different centre-back partner in each half.
| Minutes Played | 90 |
| Touches | 81 |
| Duels | 15 |
| Ariel Duels Won | 7 |
| Ground Duels Won | 4 |
| Interceptions | 3 |
| Clearances | 9 |
Gabriel has played every minute of Arsenal’s Premier League campaign so far, and by winning all his ground duels at Newcastle showed his importance to the team.
The 27-year-old is now one of the first names on Arteta’s team sheet.
Declan Rice
Another Arsenal star who stepped up when the Gunners needed him most was Declan Rice, who starred in midfield against a powerful Newcastle trio.
Arsenal have been victims in the past of Newcastle’s ferocious press and their tenacious midfield three.
However, the Gunners did not get overrun on this occasion at St James’ Park mainly down to Rice’s fine display.
Rice was calm and tidy in possession, making the most accurate passes out of anyone on the pitch whilst winning the majority of his duels.
With the most touches of any player too, Rice dictated the game in Arsenal’s favour.
Eberechi Eze
Arteta decided to replace Merino in the starting XI with Eberechi Eze from the team that started against Man City, and it nearly paid off for the Spaniard inside the first five minutes.
Eze’s low drive forced a superb finger tip save from Nick Pope and Arsenal looked a greater threat going forward.
Pope also had to beat away Eze’s finely struck half-volley in the first half.
The former Crystal Palace star glided away from opponents and wasn’t afraid to pick the ball up from deep to start attacks.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard looks to have serious competition for his number 10 position for the first time since he arrived at the club.