Arsenal travelled to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arsenal-c38429 still had the top spot in the group to play for.
Schalke were a spot above the Gunners, and Arsenal needed a win to replace them. However, manager Arsene Wenger had given rest to several of his key players for the big Premier League game against West Brom on the weekend.
Taking a second string team to Greece, it was clear that Arsenal were really not giving the fixture much importance. The biggest positive Arsenal can take from the defeat was perhaps the return of Tomas Rosicky, who put in a solid performance at the heart
of midfield. The midfielder gives Wenger much needed reinforcements in the centre, and with the likes of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Santi-Cazorla-c32505 having burned out due to exhaustion, Rosicky’s return could not have come at a better time.
The player scored a goal in the first half, but Olympiacos came back to win the game 2-1 in the second period.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Wojciech-Szczesny-c36998 – 8
The Polish goalkeeper handled everything that came his way, and made a number of routine saves. He handled the ball well and parried it to safety whenever it was required. He was worked more in the second half, and was blindsided for Olympiacos’ second of
the night.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Thomas-Vermaelen-c35002 – 8
The Belgian had a solid game, though his positioning for the first goal conceded was poor. He was strong at the back, and was deadly going forward, causing a lot of problems for the home side. He made an important interception in the second half to deny
the home side another goal.
Sebastian Squillaci – 5
The Frenchman looked shaky all night, and had a poor game overall. He failed to deal with the pace of the Olympiacos attackers and was at fault for their winner.
Carl Jenkinson – 7
The right-back did not receive a whole lot of support, and struggled to deal with most of the opposition play. He was lucky not to have committed an error which Olympiacos were unable to capitalize on.
Tomas Rosicky – 9
The midfielder made a strong return to the first team, and scored a well placed goal in the first half. He kept possession well and was at the heart of everything. He was replaced by Arshavin at the break.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Francis-Coquelin-c13952 – 7
The French holding player was unable to provide adequate protection for his defenders, and failed to judge the game on more than one occasion.
Jernade Meade – 9
The left-back was confident and showed great composure for his first CL game. He was never troubled, and looked confident in possession. The youngster made a number of strong tackles.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alex-c4752 Oxlade Chamberlain – 7
The English starlet has still not managed to kick-start his season, but still works tirelessly for the team. He created a couple of good chances but was disappointing thereafter.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Gervinho-c14755 – 8
The Ivorian had a good game, and despite his recent, frustrating form, he recovered well from the weekend’s 2-0 defeat to Swansea. He got an assist for the first goal of the night, and continued to get into good positions. However, his first touch still
lets him down on occasions.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Marouane-Chamakh-c24294 – 7
The Moroccan was unable to operate as the target man Giroud has become, but worked hard and laid off the ball for his midfielders on more than one occasion. His first touch however left a lot to be desire at times.
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