Arsenal secured a vital three points in their Champions League clash with Olympiacos as Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka’s goals proved decisive at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners started the game well and controlled play superbly with accurate passes and determined play in the final third bypassing the Greek side’s attempted press.
Viktor Gyokeres thought he’d broken the deadlock when shrugging off both centre-backs and feeding a shot past Kostas Tzolakis. The ball hit the post but Martinelli was on hand to tap in the rebound and send the hosts ahead.
From there, Arsenal looked likely to increase their lead, especially in the first half, but substitutions made by José Luis Mendilibar swung the momentum in favour of Olympiacos. The visitors dictated play in the second half and forced some crucial stops out of David Raya as Arsenal were made to defend deep.
Mikel Arteta made changes of his own to regain control of the match and Saka struck in stoppage time to secure the points.
Relive the latest updates from the Emirates below:
Arsenal vs Olympiacos LIVE
- REPORT: Arsenal keep winning momentum going with nervous victory over Olympiacos
- 90+2' GOAL! Saka drills home a stoppage time winner (ARS 2-0 OLY)
- 82' SAVE! Odegaard denied in double stop (ARS 1-0 OLY)
- 20' SAVE! Raya denies Podence from close range (ARS 1-0 OLY)
- 12' GOAL! Martinelli pokes home Gyokeres' rebounded shot (ARS 1-0 OLY)
- 2' CHANCE! Martinelli meets a cross but heads wide (ARS 0-0 OLY)
Arsenal keep winning momentum going with nervous victory over Olympiacos
22:22 , Mike JonesBukayo Saka eased some increasingly frayed Arsenal nerves with a late strike to secure a 2-0 Champions League win over Olympiacos.
Gabriel Martinelli had opened the scoring with a 12th-minute tap-in on what looked set to be a routine evening at the Emirates Stadium.
But the Gunners missed chance after chance to bury the Greek champions, and for all their dominance they were indebted to a stunning one-handed save by David Raya from a point-blank volley from former Wolves forward Daniel Podence.
Arsenal keep winning momentum going with nervous victory over Olympiacos
Odegaard named player of the match
22:18 , Mike JonesArsenal captain Martin Odegaard has been named Player of the Match.
The Uefa Technical Observer Group said: "He was always involved in Arsenal's attacks and had good vision for the final pass, linking well with the attackers and managing the tempo of the game."
Arsenal defeat Olympiacos
22:12 , Mike Jones
A break in routine
22:07 , Mike JonesArsenal's 2-0 victory tonight means it's the first time in seven meetings between these sides that the home side has won.
The previous six fixtures were all won by the away team.
'We want to win'
22:00 , Mike JonesGabriel Martinelli gave a quick reaction to Arsenal’s victory and outlined the aim of the team this season.
He said: “We want to win every title we play for and that’s what we’ll try to do.”
Full-time! Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos
21:55 , Mike Jones90+5 mins: The whistle goes and Arsenal take home the points!
They’re two wins from two in the Champions League league phase.
The Gunners’ first half performance should have won them the match but Olympiacos responded well to Martinelli’s goal and it was Saka’s late strike which settled proceedings.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos (Bukayo Saka, 90+2')
21:52 , Mike JonesThat’s it!
Bukayo Saka settles the nerves of the Arsenal fans. A high press wins the ball back for Arsenal and Martin Odegaard slips a threaded pass into the box for Saka.
He collects the ball and drills it low through the legs of the goalkeeper to make Arsenal’s win beyond doubt.
Arsenal 1-0 Olympiacos
21:50 , Mike Jones90 mins: Five minutes of added time to play at the Emirates.
Can Arsenal hold on?
Arsenal 1-0 Olympiacos
21:48 , Mike Jones85 mins: A floaty header lands in the hands of David Raya as Olympiacos continue to burst forward.
Arsenal’s defence has been up to the task so far.
Arsenal 1-0 Olympiacos
21:42 , Mike Jones82 mins: Save!
A superb switch of play from Arsenal sees the ball drop to Saka on the right.
He drives up to the box and dribbles past the right back before slotting the ball back to Odegaard.
The Arsenal captain shoots but Tzolakis sticks out a hand to deny him a goal.
Retsos is there as well to deflect the follow up shot.
Great defending!
Arsenal 1-0 Olympiacos
21:40 , Mike Jones81 mins: Inside the last 10 minutes now and Arsenal are doing more defending than they’d like.
It’s the complete opposite of the first half and Mikel Arteta’s side are struggling to get on the ball.
The nerves are descending on the watching fans.
Arsenal 1-0 Olympiacos
21:39 , Mike Jones78 mins: The tempo has slowed right down.
Arsenal have the lead and their subs are trying to get up to the pace of the game.
Olympiacos have been impressive in the second half. They’re the ones dictating how this game is going.
Arsenal 1-0 Olympiacos
21:32 , Mike Jones73 mins: Mikel Arteta makes more changes now.
Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard are replaced with Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka.
Those aren’t bad replacements are they?
Arsenal 1-0 Olympiacos
21:31 , Mike Jones70 mins: 20 minutes to play at the Emirates and Arsenal aren’t as comfortable as they once were.
There have been signs of life from Olympiacos, not least the disallowed goal.
Arsenal 1-0 Olympiacos
21:27 , Mike Jones67 mins: Disallowed!
Olympiacos have the ball in the back of the net.
A cross come in from the inside left channel and lands on the head of Ayoub El Kaabi.
He heads the ball at Raya who palms it away only for the follow up Olympiacos player to tap it home.
The offside flag goes up quickly and a VAR check confirms El Kaabi was offside.
Arsenal 1-0 Olympiacos
21:25 , Mike Jones66 mins: Blocked!
Arsenal sweep forward beautifully with Rice threading the ball to Odegaard.
He spins with the ball and lays it off to Trossard on the left side of the box.
Trossard draws out the goalkeeper then checks inside and shoots only for Lorenzo Pirola to get in front of the effort and keep it out.
Arsenal 1-0 Olympiacos
21:21 , Mike Jones63 mins: Gelson Martins is dragged down by Martin Zubimendi who is shown a yellow card.
The Olympiacos free kick is swung into the penalty area and finds the head of substitute Mehdi Taremi who lofts the ball over the crossbar.
Arsenal 1-0 Olympiacos
21:19 , Mike Jones60 mins: Here we go.
Mikel Merino and Ben White are taking off by the Arsenal boss with Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber replacing them.
They’ve got 30 minutes or so to make sure Arsenal come away with all three points.
Arsenal 1-0 Olympiacos
21:16 , Mike Jones57 mins: Podence weaves past White but is tracked by Martinelli who forces the winger out of play.
Mikel Arteta is preparing some substitutions on the side of the pitch.
Arsenal 1-0 Olympiacos
21:13 , Mike Jones54 mins: Close!
Martinelli drives Arsenal up the pitch with the help of White. The Gunners square the ball to Mikel Merino on the edge of the box.
He passes it into Trossard whose first time shot is whipped high and wide!
He should do better there and hit the target at least.
Arsenal 1-0 Olympiacos
21:12 , Mike Jones51 mins: Olympiacos are unbeaten this season and top the Greek league.
They know how to win games and are taking their time trying to work out how to get at the Gunners.
Arsenal 1-0 Olympiacos
21:08 , Mike Jones48 mins: Arsenal have struggled to get on the ball over the first few minutes off the second half but they break forward after Martin Zubimendi releases Ben White to burst forward.
He carries the ball up to the box but runs into trouble and loses possession.
Second half! Arsenal 1-0 Olympiacos
21:06 , Mike JonesThe Gunners get the match back underway.
Mikel Arteta hasn’t made any changes at the break but reinforcements won’t be too long away.
HT Arsenal 1-0 Olympiacos
21:00 , Mike JonesArsenal had 10 shots in the first half but crucially only two of them were on target.
That’s the same amount as Olympiacos whose only two shots were heading in.
David Raya has twice been called into action which is a reminder for Arsenal that they can’t take their foot off the gas and need to increase their lead over the next 45 minutes.
HT Arsenal 1-0 Olympiacos
20:55 , Mike JonesArsenal have the lead at the Emirates. Can they extend it in the second half?
Half-time! Arsenal 1-0 Olympiacos
20:49 , Mike Jones45 mins: The whistle goes to end the first half at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal are ahead and look fairly comfortable in the game.
Mikel Arteta will want more goals to make the result beyond doubt but so far so good.
Arsenal 1-0 Olympiacos
20:42 , Mike Jones42 mins: Close!
Arsenal work the ball quickly and feed it out to the left. A dainty pass brings the ball into the feet of Gyokeres.
He dribbles into the box, cuts onto his right foot and smokes his effort over the crossbar!
Arsenal 1-0 Olympiacos
20:40 , Mike Jones39 mins: “Odegaard's range of passing and his awareness of where people are, particularly in wide areas is remarkable,” says Ally McCoist on TNT Sports commentary.
He adds: “I don't want to get carried away but I am really enjoying Arsenal at the minute.”
Arsenal 1-0 Olympiacos
20:38 , Mike Jones36 mins: Odegaard drifts out wide on the right wing and dribbles past a back-tracking Podence.
He lifts a cross into the middle of the area but Tzolakis plucks the ball out of the air.
Arsenal 1-0 Olympiacos
20:36 , Mike Jones33 mins: Odegaard shoots from the edge of the box but his effort is blocked.
It almost drops to Gyokeres for the follow up but Francisco Ortega is quick onto the loose ball and squirrels it clear.
Arsenal 1-0 Olympiacos
20:32 , Mike Jones30 mins: Half and hour played and the match has settled down.
Arsenal quick to break and bomb forward, Olympiacos slowly bring it back but lack a cutting edge.
Arsenal 1-0 Olympiacos
20:26 , Mike Jones26 mins: Viktor Gyokeres took a hit during their last attack and needs a bit of time to recover.
He’s fine to play on after a breather but Arsenal won’t want him to go down with a knock.
Arsenal 1-0 Olympiacos
20:25 , Mike Jones23 mins: Olympiacos are attempting to press Arsenal high up the pitch but the Gunners have just been able to pass it by their forward men.
It’s pristine accuracy from the London side.
Arsenal sweep forward through Leandro Trossard on the left and his cross comes over to Martin Odegaard. He eventually pokes a cross/shot back into the area but it is defended.
Arsenal 1-0 Olympiacos
20:21 , Mike Jones20 mins: Save!
Outstanding from David Raya.
The cross comes in from the right wing and drops beautifully for Daniel Podence who meets it on the volley.
He strikes it sweetly and the effort is heading in only for Raya to leap up and palm the ball over the crossbar with his left hand!
Arsenal 1-0 Olympiacos
20:20 , Mike Jones18 mins: Already this match feels as though Arsenal will be able to notch up a big score.
They need to keep composed and not settle on their lead however.
Olympiacos are trying to keep possession and play themselves back into the game.
Arsenal 1-0 Olympiacos
20:18 , Mike Jones15 mins: Mikel Arteta looks relaxed, at least as relaxed as he can be, on the sidelines.
The Arsenal manager is still a hotwire of energy and intensity but he’s smiling as he issues his instructions.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Olympiacos (Gabriel Martinelli, 12')
20:15 , Mike JonesArsenal lead!
Mikel Merino feeds the ball up to Martin Odegaard who turns and passes a through ball up towards the box.
Viktor Gyokeres brushes off both centre backs and wins the ball. Kostas Tzolakis comes off his line to close down the forward but Gyokeres manages to get his shot away.
The ball trickles towards goal and hits the post!
But, Gabriel Martinelli is chasing it in and gets there first to poke home a simple finish.
Arsenal 0-0 Olympiacos
20:12 , Mike Jones12 mins: Gelson Martins whips a quick but low cross into the Arsenal box from the right but it is defended easily by Gabriel.
The Greek side are getting themselves into the game now after the dominance of the opening few minutes from Arsenal.
Arsenal 0-0 Olympiacos
20:11 , Mike Jones9 mins: A lovely long ball from Kostas Tzolakis sees his pass drop to Ayoub El Kaabi who attempts to control the ball as he darts in behind.
Lewis-Skelly is well placed to intercept and is fouled by the Olympiacos striker in the process.
Arsenal 0-0 Olympiacos
20:08 , Mike Jones6 mins: Arsenal are controlling all the possession and the Greek side are struggling to get any time on the ball.
The Gunners are quick to break up the pitch and aren’t afraid to shoot when inside the final third.
Arsenal 0-0 Olympiacos
20:04 , Mike Jones3 mins: Chance!
It should be 1-0 to Arsenal. David Raya threads a fine pass into the middle of the pitch where Martin Odegaard collects the ball and feeds it across to Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The left-back flies forward and and whips in an early cross.
The places the ball perfectly onto the head of Gabriel Martinelli who makes a mess of things and heads his effort wide!
Kick off! Arsenal 0-0 Olympiacos
20:01 , Mike JonesOlympiacos are the underdogs for tonight’s game but they have recent history against English teams having beaten Aston Villa over two legs in the Europa League semi-final in May last year.
Arsenal pose a different challenge however. The Greek side kick off proceedings.
Arsenal vs Olympiacos
19:57 , Mike JonesHere come the teams.
The players make their way out onto the pitch at the Emirates Stadium.
Martin Odegaard has the armband yet again and will be looking to get back to his best during this European outing.
Arsenal will want to take control early on in the game and take things from there.
Arteta on his counterpart tonight
19:49 , Mike JonesMikel Arteta was full of praise for Olympiacos manager Jose Luis Mendilibar.
"They have a really, really good manager, whom I've known since I was 13 because he was my coach at that period,” Arteta revealed.
“I know how he works, I know how efficient he is in what he does."
Arteta: 'We have the same ambition'
19:44 , Chris WilsonIn his pre-match conference, Mikel Arteta explained that his players "have the same ambition” this season in the Champions League.
“To go game by game and try to be better than the opponent, which is very difficult in this competition. We want to win as many games as we can. Tomorrow is going to be a really difficult one. We know how important the home form is going to be to reach the phase we want to."
"What I want with this football club is to win major trophies. Nobody else has to put that line to us. That's the ambition. Excuses have never been a part of my life,” he added.
Match stats
19:37 , Chris WilsonArsenal have won each of their last five games in the group/league phase of the UEFA Champions League, their longest such run since winning six in a row between December 2004 and November 2005.
Olympiacos have only scored one goal in their last six UEFA Champions League matches (D1 L5), despite attempting 51 shots across those outings and hitting the target 11 times.
Among teams who have been involved in the last two editions of the Champions League, Arsenal have conceded fewer goals per game than any other team in the competition (0.72, with 18 goal conceded across 25 games).
Head-to-head
19:30 , Chris WilsonToday’s match will be the 13th time Arsenal and Olympiakos have faced each other in European competition. None of the previous 12 matches have ended in a draw, with both sides winning six games apiece.
Most recently, the Gunners beat the Greek champions over two legs in the Europa League in March 2021, winning 3-1 away but losing 1-0 at home.
Match stats
19:20 , Chris WilsonArsenal have faced Olympiakos on four occasions during Mikel Arteta’s reign as manager (W2 L2); only facing PSV (6) more often in European competition. The Greeks eliminated them from the UEFA Europa League in 2019/20 (last 32), before the Gunners eliminated Olympiakos from the same competition the following season (last 16).
Olympiakos have won two of their last three away games against English sides (L1); one of those being against Arsenal at the Emirates (1-0 in March 2021), along with a 4-2 win at Aston Villa in May 2024. This is as many victories as the Greek side managed in their first 17 away games versus English opponents in major European competition (W2 L15).
Arsenal’s desperation for title demonstrated in Newcastle turnaround, says Mikel Arteta
19:10 , Chris WilsonArsenal boss Mikel Arteta is confident his team “wants it” after seeing them scrap their way to victory at Newcastle and close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool.
The champions’ 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace on Saturday presented the Gunners with an opportunity 24 hours later, but it was one they looked like passing up at St James’ Park.
With six minutes remaining, the Magpies led 1-0 courtesy of Nick Woltemade’s 34th-minute header, but goals from substitute Mikel Merinoand, in the sixth minute of stoppage time, defender Gabriel secured a dramatic 2-1 win.
Arsenal’s desperation for title demonstrated in Newcastle turnaround, says Arteta
Odegaard returns
18:57 , Mike JonesMartin Odegaard returns to lead the Gunners as Mikel Arteta makes six changes to the Arsenal team from their previous Champions League outing.
In the back line, Cristian Mosquera, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori are replaced with Ben White, William Saliba and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Odegaard joins Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi in midfield while Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard partner Viktor Gyokeres in the forward line.
Olympiacos team to face Arsenal
18:50 , Mike JonesOlympiacos XI: Tzolakis; Costinha, Retsos, Pirola, Ortega; Dani Garcia, Hezze; Gelson Martins, Chiquinho, Podence; El Kaabi
Subs: Paschalakis, Kouraklis, Biancone, Kalogeropoulos, Diogo Nascimento, Scipioni, Strefezza, Onyemaechi, Pnevmonidis, Mouzakitis, Taremi
Η ενδεκάδα της ομάδας μας για το ματς κόντρα στην Άρσεναλ! / Our line-up for today’s match against Arsenal! 🔴⚪️#OlympiacosFC #ARSOLY #UCL pic.twitter.com/tlysjdYlD9
— Olympiacos FC (@olympiacosfc) October 1, 2025
Arsenal line-up to face Olympiacos
18:46 , Mike JonesArsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Odegaard, Merino; Trossard, Gyokeres, Martinelli
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 1, 2025
↩️ White and Lewis-Skelly in at wing-backs
⚖️ Zubimendi holding down the fort
⚡️ Martinelli on the wing
Let's keep this good run going, Gunners 👊
Team news
18:40 , Chris WilsonWe’re expecting the line-ups to be announced in the next five minutes, so here’s a reminder of the early Arsenal team news...
Arsenal were boosted by the return of Martin Odegaard from a shoulder injury last time out, leaving Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus as the major players on the sidelines. Piero Hincapie is unlikely to make an appearance as he struggles with a groin problem.
While William Saliba’s minutes have been managed, he is likely to start on Wednesday after playing 45 minutes against Newcastle, following deputy Cristhian Mosquera’s howling error which led to the Magpies’ goal.
Mikel Arteta: William Saliba deal further proof Arsenal stars see success coming
18:25 , Chris WilsonMikel Arteta believes Arsenal’s key players are committing their futures to the club because they can fulfil their ambitions to win trophies in north London.
William Saliba has become the latest Gunners star to sign a new long-term deal, despite interest from Real Madrid.
The France defender’s previous contract had been due to expire in 2027 and the PA news agency understands he has now extended his stay until 2030.
Mikel Arteta: William Saliba deal further proof Arsenal stars see success coming
William Saliba signs new long-term Arsenal contract after resisting Real Madrid interest
18:10 , Chris WilsonWilliam Saliba has signed a new long-term contract at Arsenal.
The 24-year-old centre-back had entered the final two years of his previous deal at the Gunners and The Independent reported that Real Madrid were interested in signing the France international.
But Saliba signed a contract extension on Tuesday, thought to be over five years, in what is a major boost to Mikel Arteta’s side.
William Saliba signs new Arsenal contract after resisting Real Madrid interest
Mikel Arteta’s finishers rewrite story in inspired comeback win over Newcastle
17:55 , Chris WilsonIt was the same penalty box where Gabriel Magalhaes had ended up sprawling on the Tyneside turf some 90 minutes earlier. This time, he was rising highest, heading in Martin Odegaard’s corner, capping a dramatic fightback, securing the kind of flagship win that tends to be the hallmark of champions.
The Brazilian may have been culpable for Newcastle’s opener, when Nick Woltemade headed in as he fell. He might have been sent off for an elbow on the giant German. He survived a VAR review for a penalty for handling Anthony Elanga’s cross. He ended up the match-winner as David Rayaran 100 yards to join in the celebrations. It was that kind of confusing, chaotic afternoon.
“Unbelievable feeling,” said Mikel Arteta. “That is what football is about.”
Mikel Arteta’s finishers rewrite story in inspired comeback win over Newcastle
When is Arsenal vs Olympiacos?
17:50 , Chris WilsonArsenal host Olympiacos at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday 1 October, with kickoff at 8pm BST.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the game on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, as well as streaming platform discovery+. You can purchase a TNT Sports subscription via discovery+ here, for only £30.99 per month.
Predicted line-ups
17:45 , Chris WilsonArsenal XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Odegaard, Zubimendi, Merino, Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli.
Olympiacos XI: Tzolakis, Rodinei, Retsos, Pirola, Ortega, Hezze, Dani García, Gelson Martins, Chiquinho, Podence, El Kaabi.
Team news
17:39 , Chris WilsonOlympiacos are expected to line up without Ukrainian target man Roman Yaremchuk, who is nursing a calf injury, and Lorenzo Scipioni, out with a knee issue.
Team news
17:36 , Chris WilsonArsenal were boosted by the return of Martin Odegaard from a shoulder injury last time out, leaving Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus as the major players on the sidelines. Piero Hincapie is unlikely to make an appearance as he struggles with a groin problem.
While William Saliba’s minutes have been managed, he is likely to start on Wednesday after playing 45 minutes against Newcastle, following deputy Cristhian Mosquera’s howling error which led to the Magpies’ goal.
Arsenal vs Olympiacos LIVE
17:32 , Chris WilsonArsenal host Greek giants Olympiacos in their second Champions League fixture of the season on Wednesday.
Mikel Arteta’s men are fresh from a last-gasp 2-1 win over Newcastle in the Premier League at the weekend, but it was better late than never as Gabriel scored a 96th-minute winner to close the gap to two points to league leaders Liverpool.
They’ll be confident they can get a similar result - although ideally rather earlier in the game - against Olympiacos, who drew 0-0 with minnows Pafos in their first European fixture. But the Greek side will look to recent history at the Emirates, having won on their previous three visits.
Arsenal however are unbeaten at home this season and took three points on the road in their European opener, a 2-0 triumph over Athletic Bilbao.
Good evening
17:28 , Chris WilsonHello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of tonight’s Champions League match between Arsenal and Olympiacos at the Emirates.
The Gunners are looking to build on their opening win over Bilbao as they look to finish in the top eight of the league phase table, and Mikel Arteta may look to rotate the side as they welcome the Greek champions.
And we’ll have all the latest build-up and updates right here.
