Giroud takes Arsenal through, ousts Olympiacos
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Article summary
Olympiacos 0-3 Arsenal
Olivier Giroud's first Arsenal hat-trick secured a win that meant the Gunners finished second in Group F and reached the last 16 for the 16th year running.
Article top media content
Article body
- Olivier Giroud hat-trick earns Arsenal win at Olympiacos and second place in Group F
- Giroud gives Gunners lead from Aaron Ramsey cross (29)
- Former Olympiacos loanee Joel Campbell sets up Frenchman for crucial second (49)
- Giroud completes treble with penalty as Arsenal reach last 16 for 16th year in row
- Round of 16 draw takes place at 12.00CET on Monday
Arsenal continued their streak of reaching the UEFA Champions League's last 16 with a decisive victory at Olympiacos, Olivier Giroud's hat-trick securing second place in Group F.
Needing to win by two goals or by 3-2 or more, the onus was on Arsenal to attack yet the home side showed the greater early intent with Sebá especially lively on the left, although their finishing was wayward. Having withstood that initial pressure, Arsenal began to assert themselves, thanks in no small part to the efforts of a player who spent 2013/14 on loan at Olympiacos.
Joel Campbell was afforded a warm reception on his return to Piraeus and reminded the home fans of his talents with a fine cross that Mathieu Flamini volleyed against the crossbar. With Mesut Özil increasingly influential, the visitors struck just before the half-hour as Aaron Ramsey delivered a cross from the left; Giroud met it at the near post and his header found the net via a rebound off goalkeeper Roberto.
Halfway to their target, four minutes into the second period Arsenal got the crucial second goal. Campbell was again central, producing a perfect measured pass for Giroud and the Frenchman beat Roberto with a low shot.
The psychological blow to Olympiacos was obvious, with errors creeping into the home team's play. Theo Walcott nearly put the contest to bed in the 56th minute, Arthur Masuaku blocking. At the other end, Kostas Fortounis so nearly revived Olympiacos only for a brilliant Petr Čech save to keep Arsenal in control.
Hopes that that chance might lead to a resurgence proved short-lived as Arsenal registered the clinching third goal in the 67th minute. Omar Elabdellaoui handled inside the area and Giroud stepped up to complete his treble. That left Olympiacos requiring three goals – too tall an order.
Key player: Olivier Giroud
With several of Arsenal's first-team players sidelined with injury, the Frenchman took it upon himself to propel the Gunners into the next round. He created havoc in the Olympiacos box and proved quick, astute and clinical in his finishing – just what Arsenal wanted.
Where the match was won
Arsenal are experienced and knew how to tame both their understandable pre-match nerves and Olympiacos's early enthusiasm. It took them 25 minutes to get going, but once they had hit their stride, they never looked back. They clinically made the most of their opportunities and Olympiacos could not respond.