Arsenal vs Olympiacos result: Player ratings as Gunners progress in Europa League despite defeat

Arsenal 0-1 Olympiacos (3-2 agg): El Arabi scored the only goal but the Gunners progress on aggregate

(Getty Images)

Arsenal are through to the last eight of the Europa League after knocking out Olympiacos in the round of 16, 3-2 on aggregate following a home defeat by a goal to nil in the second leg.

Both teams had openings in the first half-hour, with Youssef El Arabi running through on goal and seeing his shot saved by the knee of Bernd Leno, before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang skied a shot from just inside the box.

The first half was largely a tame affair, however, with Arsenal’s shape keeping their Greek visitors at bay, but El Arabi easily beat David Luiz and fired in a deflected goal soon after the break.

Aubameyang missed a great chance to wrap up the tie when sent through one-on-one, before Ousseynou Ba was sent-off for throwing the ball the ref’s way after a foul, to end any hopes of a late comeback.

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from the match at the Emirates Stadium.

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Bernd Leno - 6. Fine first-half save from El Arabi, couldn’t do anything about the goal.

Hector Bellerin - 6. Full of endeavour but little end product or quality.

David Luiz - 4. The two first real chances Olympiacos had were from Luiz failing to deal with high balls. The third chance saw him fail to stop El Arabi, who scored.

Gabriel Magalhaes - 6. Unfortunate with the deflected goal. Made a few important clearances and headers after the break.

Kieran Tierney - 7. The usual outlet, fast on the break and clever in the final pass. Did look a little tired at times.

Mohamed Elneny - 6. Energetic but not particularly useful on the ball. Immediately hooked after the opening goal.

Granit Xhaka - 5. Bypassed more than once and very passive with his passing. Olympiacos dominated play in long stretches and Arsenal’s midfield pair - plus Ceballos - didn’t win a tackle between them for 75 minutes.

Nicolas Pepe - 7. Arsenal’s best outlet, and did create moments of danger, but as is often the case with Pepe he frustrated as much as he enthralled. Should have set up Aubameyang for one goal and hit his own team-mate with another good shot of his own.

Dani Ceballos - 5. His first half was a mix of terrible set-pieces and very good through balls to create shooting chances. Played a more advanced role than usual and was subbed off straight after the goal - which he lost possession for.

Emile Smith Rowe - 6. Some bright moments and plenty of work rate, but didn’t see enough of the ball in truth.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - 5. Poor hold-up play and sent a great first-half chance over the bar. Barely had a kick in the final third after the break...other than two close-range shots he failed to finish.

Subs

Thomas Partey - 6. Conceded a dangerous foul just after coming on.

Martin Odegaard - 7. Took time to get into the match but fashioned a few good openings.

Gabriel Martinelli - n/a

Calum Chambers - n/a