Gervinho, Podolski and Ramsey goals seal win against Greeks

Arsenal were far from their best on Wednesday night at the Emirates but still managed to come away with victory against Greek Champions Olympiacos. The Gunners struggled to find any rhythm in the first half as they kept losing possession of the ball and were sloppy in defence. However they still came away with the all important 3 points which meant Arsenal have taken an extra step towards securing qualification from the group stages. Gervinho and Podolski once again got the goals as Aaron Ramsey scored late on to secure the win over the Greek side. There were 2 changes to the starting line-up from the weekend's defeat to Chelsea as Oxlade-Chamberlain came in for Ramsey who was dropped to the bench, whilst Coquelin came in for the once again injured Abou Diaby. Meanwhile Per Mertesacker was suffering from illness so Koscielny partnered Vermaelen at the heart of the defence again.

Aaron Ramsey came off the bench to seal the win for Arsenal deep into injury time.

The first chance of the game came through a mistake at the back from Arsenal. Mannone's goal kick went straight to an Olympiacos player but luckily for the Gunners, Olympiacos couldn't take advantage of the opportunity and the ball was put out for a corner.

Arsenal's first shot on goal came from the boot of Santi Cazorla as he hit a curling free-kick from the left hand side which Megyeri in the Olympiacos goal did well to tip over.

Just before the half hour mark, Olympiacos almost found a goal which would have given them the lead. Machado managed to find Mitroglou who hit a low shot from the edge of the area which Mannone had to sprawl across his goal to keep out.

Machado then had a chance of his own to convert as a cross was swung in but the ball was some how put high and wide from six yards out.

Four minutes before the break and against the run of play, Arsenal took the lead. Podolski got the ball on the left and then found Arteta. However he lost possession but the ball fell nicely to Gervinho to fire home from outside the box.

The Greek Champions then came straight back at Arsenal as Machado had space to smash a shot from distance but it was straight at Mannone who held onto the ball.

The action for the half was not over though as Olympiacos equalised. The ball was put into the box perfectly for Mitroglou who headed the ball into the back of the net.

The score at half time was 1-1.

Just after the break Santi Cazorla had a great chance to put Arsenal back in front. Gervinho did well down the left and then found Cazorla but he side footed the ball wide.

The Greek sides first shot on goal in the second half came from their goalscorer Mitroglou as he struck the ball from outside the penalty area but it flashed wide of the goal.

It was Arsenal though who got the goal to send them in front. Gervinho got fortunate down the left hand side as his failed cross fell straight back to him and at the second time found Podolski who turned and fired the ball in off the goalkeeper.

Laurent Koscielny then had a good opportunity to extend the lead as he got on the end of Arteta's free kick but the Frenchman headed over from close range.

With eight minutes left to play Arsenal were looking for the goal that would wrap up the game and almost got it through Olivier Giroud as he got on the end of Walcott's cross, but the keeper kept it out.

Giroud then had another chance to get a goal as Cazorla got to the byline and found the French striker who smashed the ball towards goal but it hit a defender and bounced wide.

Deep into injury time and the game was finally finished off. Mannone's goal kick was flicked on by Giroud into the path of Ramsey who ran in on goal before dinking the ball over the goal keeper to seal the victory.

The final score finished Arsenal 3-1 Olympiacos.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Mannone, Jenkinson, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Coquelin, Arteta, Cazorla, Oxlade-Chamberlain(70), Gervinho(80), Podolski(80).
Subs: Shea, Djourou, Santos, Ramsey(80), Arshavin, Walcott(70), Giroud(80).

Olympiacos:  Megyeri, Diakite(73), Manolas, Contreras, Holebas, Siovas, Maniatis, Machado(80), Fuster, Greco(66), Mitroglou.
Subs: Carroll, Modesto, Ibagaza, Lykogiannis, Diogo, Abdoun(66), Pantelic(80).

Man of the match: Gervinho

Referee: Svein Oddvar Moen
Attendance: 60,034