Eddie Nketiah Says Lacazette, Aubameyang 'Always' Looking to Help Him at Arsenal
Feb 24, 2020
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal FC looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on February 23, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
Eddie Nketiah has praised Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for helping him at Arsenal, despite competing with the former in particular for a place up front.
The 20-year-old spent the first half of the season on loan at Leeds United, but he was recalled in January after making just four starts for the Championship outfit in all competitions.
Per Goal's Charles Watts, Nketiah said of Lacazette:
"Obviously he is a mature lad and a great player. He always tries to encourage me.
"He has been a young player in my position so he knows what it is like. There are no hostilities, he's just always looking to help and improve and it shows the maturity he has.
"He has had a great career so all I can do is take the advice he gives me and try and implement it in my game and do what I do best."
On both Lacazette and Aubameyang, Nketiah said the pair are "really good guys off the field" and added: "They're always willing to give advice and talk to me whenever I need it. It's great to have two great strikers to learn from."
Shortly after Nketiah's return to the Gunners in January, he started their FA Cup fourth-round clash with Bournemouth and scored in a 2-1 win:
Nketiah has also started up front in Arsenal's last two Premier League games; their 4-0 win over Newcastle United and their 3-2 victory over Everton.
Lacazette made a late cameo in the former and was an unused substitute in the latter, while Aubameyang has remained on the left wing, where he has frequently been deployed since Mikel Arteta took charge of the team in December.
He scored the Gunners' first goal against Everton, cancelling out Dominic Calvert-Lewin's first-minute bicycle kick with a close-range volley:
The youngster has already made as many Premier League starts this season as he did in the Championship for Leeds.
That cross takes Saka to 10 assists for the season in all competitions, and gives Eddie Nketiah a second goal in three Arsenal starts.
His involvement under Mikel Arteta so far has justified the decision to leave Leeds United.
His return was a shrewd move from the Gunners, not only because of his lack of game time under Marcelo Bielsa, but also because it gives them an alternative to Lacazette. The Frenchman has endured a difficult campaign having scored just eight goals.
The 28-year-old is a prolific goalscorer, though. He netted 113 goals across his last four seasons at Lyon prior to joining the Gunners in 2017, so Nketiah could do worse than learn from him when it comes to being clinical in the final third.
Aubameyang, 30, is a goalscorer of even deadlier repute. He's scored 60 times in 95 games at Arsenal and notched 141 for Borussia Dortmund in just 213 games.
Mikel Arteta Talks Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's Future Amid Inter Milan Rumours
Feb 23, 2020
Arsenal's head coach Mikel Arteta, right, gives instructions from the side line as Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang runs with the ball during the English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates stadium in London, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Mikel Arteta can understand why Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is drawing admiring glances from top clubs across Europe, including Inter Milan. However, the Arsenal head coach wants his leading goalscorer to see the benefits of staying in north London.
Arteta talked up Aubameyang having a future with Gunners after watching the striker score twice during Sunday's 4-3 win over Everton in the Premier League:
Arteta on Auba being chased by other clubs: "They are completely right to want him because he's a superb player. He completely deserves to be liked by other teams but hopefully we can convince him that this is the right place for him. And he has a future for here."
Those goals took Aubameyang's tally to 17 in England's top flight this season, the joint-most in the division, alongside Leicester City's Jamie Vardy. Aubameyang has also added a pair of goals in the UEFA Europa League.
Numbers like those are bringing the Gabon star to the attention of Inter. The Serie A giants reportedly consider Aubameyang a potential replacement for Lautaro Martinez, should the Argentinian leave, according to Tuttosport (h/t Rich Jones of the Daily Mirror).
Manchester United frontman Anthony Martial is also in Inter's sights, per Tuttosport. Yet as good as the Frenchman is, Aubameyang would surely be the more high-profile get.
The 30-year-old is out of contract in the summer of 2021, and he's already been heavily linked with Barcelona. Barca sporting director Eric Abidal told Sport (h/t Metro) earlier this month: "I know [Aubameyang]. He has a profile that has depth. He is important, and in his team he is decisive."
Aubameyang's decisive streak has won Arteta over, with the forward netting six goals following the latter taking charge on December 26. As much as the goals, Aubameyang's efforts under Arteta have also been defined by a greater willingness to do the dirty work off the ball, a characteristic he displayed against the Toffees:
No better example of Arteta's impact at Arsenal than Aubameyang sprinting back to tackle Kean and prevent an Everton counter. His third tackle of the game - no #AFC player has made more.
Coaxing improved application from his players is the chief way Arteta has made the Gunners tougher to beat. Of all those working harder, the Spaniard has been most pleasantly surprised by Aubameyang.
Arteta talked up the industry of his attacking talisman, per Nick Ames of the Guardian:
"I had two questions. One was he doesn't want to do it or he cannot do it physically, so once I found out that physically he could do it, it was just about convincing him that he needs to do it every three days and he is doing that.
"He needs to feel fulfilled. When he does that, we show our appreciation as well of what he is doing because he can say: 'I score the goals, I don't need to do it'. But unfortunately we are not that good that we can allow a few players not to do that."
Goals are ultimately what reveals Aubameyang's true value, though. He's still finding the net with the kind of consistency displayed throughout his career:
Aubameyang:
2nd top scorer in Bundesliga 2015/16 with 25 goals
Top scorer in Bundesliga 2016/17 with 31 goals
Joint top scorer in PL 2018/19 with 22 goals (tied with Salah and Mané)
Current top scorer in PL 2019/20 with 17 goals (tied with Vardy)
There are many keys to Aubameyang's success inside the area, notably unerring instincts for where and when a chance will come his way. Meanwhile, his clever, subtle movement and quick reactions regularly leave markers flat-footed.
Aubameyang is not just a great goalscorer; he's also a scorer of great goals. He has technique to score from outside the area and finish in style.
His two goals against Everton perfectly illustrated the variety in Aubameyang's game. The first was a Thierry Henry-esque side-foot finish across goalkeeper Jordan Pickford after Aubameyang's pace took him clear.
Former England and Barcelona striker Gary Lineker saluted the ruthless efficiency of a fellow master goalscorer:
There are some players that when they’re one-on-one with the keeper, you just know they’ll score. @Aubameyang7 is one of them. Master of his craft.
Aubameyang's second was an untidy but accurate header to connect with a cross from Nicolas Pepe. It was the precise finish of a player to whom scoring comes naturally.
Even so, Arsenal would be wise to begin planning for the future just in case Aubameyang fancies a big move to usher in the final chapter of his career. After all, the Gunners will likely face a fourth straight campaign without UEFA Champions League football next season if Arteta and his players can't lift the Europa League trophy this term.
Arsenal are still in rebuild mode under Arteta despite being unbeaten so far in 2020. Joining an annual contender for top prizes could appeal to Aubameyang.
It's why Arteta's decision to start Eddie Nketiah in the last two league games is evidence of smart, forward thinking. The 20-year-old completed 90 minutes and scored against the Toffees.
Nketiah, along with 10-goal 18-year-old Gabriel Martinelli, represents an exciting future for the Arsenal attack. Getting them experience will only accelerate the development of both and safeguard the Gunners from losing Aubameyang or striker partner Alexandre Lacazette, whose deal expires in 2022.
The best scenario would be for Aubameyang and Lacazette to remain the marquee focal points at the top of Arteta's team, with Nketiah and Martinelli offering prolific support. Then Arteta would have the firepower to recreate an awesome scoring machine similar to the one he helped Pep Guardiola construct and win titles with at Manchester City.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's Brace Leads Arsenal to Win vs. Everton in EPL
Feb 23, 2020
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal FC celebrate with his team mates Nicolas Pepe, Héctor Bellerin after scoring his 2nd and his team's 3rd goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on February 23, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
The two sides shared four goals in an entertaining first half. Everton opened the scoring in the first minute when Dominic Calvert-Lewin acrobatically beat goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
Arsenal hit back with two goals in six minutes to take the lead. Eddie Nketiah volleyed home Bukayo Saka's cross before Aubameyang ran through and beat Jordan Pickford with a composed finish.
Everton levelled in stoppage time at the end of the first half when Richarlison made the most of some more poor Arsenal set-piece defending to poke past Leno from close range.
Aubameyang struck the winner straight after the restart. The Gabon international headed home Nicolas Pepe's cross to secure a third straight win for the Gunners in all competitions.
Everton went into Sunday's match without a win at Arsenal in their last 23 meetings but took the lead in the opening minute of the match. Gylfi Sigurdsson floated a free-kick into the penalty area that hit David Luiz's shoulder and fell to Calvert-Lewin to acrobatically volley past Leno:
1 - Arsenal have conceded in the opening minute of a Premier League home game for only the second time, also doing so in August 2007 against Fulham when David Healy scored after 51 seconds. Shocked. pic.twitter.com/A5LyoeEGXT
Arsenal suffered another blow when Sead Kolasinac was forced off with injury in the opening 20 minutes after a clash with Djibril Sidibe. Mikel Arteta sent on Saka as his replacement and saw the 18-year-old set up Nketiah for Arsenal's equaliser.
Granit Xhaka sent the left-back scampering down the left flank to deliver a brilliant cross for Nketiah to steer past Pickford on the volley (UK video only):
Arsenal then went ahead when Luiz was allowed to stroll forward and slip Aubameyang through on goal. The striker raced into the penalty area and curled a trademark finish past Pickford.
The Gunners looked set to head in at the break with the lead but were undone by some more sloppy defending right at the end of the half. Arteta's side failed to clear a corner properly, allowing Yerry Mina to head the ball back across goal for Richarlison to force over the line despite the presence of Leno.
Arsenal came flying out of the blocks after half-time and took just 23 seconds to restore their lead through Aubameyang's 17th Premier League goal of the season. Pepe sent in a cross from the right for the Gabon international to head home:
No player has scored more Premier League goals than Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang this season (17). https://t.co/Bteyogp4et
Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti sent on Bernard on the hour in a double substitution with Andre Gomes, who was making his return from a serious ankle injury suffered against Tottenham in November.
Arsenal needed Leno to make smart saves from Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison, while Nketiah could have sealed it late on but saw a curling shot hit the woodwork and rebound to safety.
A nervy finish saw Everton press hard for an equaliser and Calvert-Lewin headed inches wide in stoppage time, but Arsenal managed to hang on for another home win against the Toffees.
What's Next?
Arsenal take on Olympiacos in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League last-32 tie on Thursday, leading 1-0 from the first leg. The Gunners then play Portsmouth in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Monday, March 2.
Everton's next fixture is in the Premier League on Sunday when they welcome Manchester United to Goodison Park.
Shkodran Mustafi Says He's Open to Arsenal Stay: 'Why Not?'
Feb 21, 2020
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 02: Shkodran Mustafi of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Arsenal FC at Turf Moor on February 2, 2020 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Shkodran Mustafi has said he'd be happy to stay at Arsenal after regaining his place in the team under Mikel Arteta.
The centre-back had only featured once in the Premier League before Arteta took charge in December, putting his future in the club in doubt, but he could yet salvage his career at the Emirates Stadium.
"Why not?" he said, per Goal's Charles Watts. "When I decide, or when the club and I decide, it is going to continue I am happy, if not, then we have to go forward."
He added:
"If you think things are over for you, then you should retire. That's not like you should think as a professional.
"You always get the opportunities and a team has more than 20 players for a reason. There is a lot of competition, there are a lot of games and everyone in the team is needed."
Mustafi was dropped by Arteta's predecessor, Unai Emery, having failed to impress for much of his time at the club following his arrival from Valencia in 2016.
Defensive mistakes have often characterised the 27-year-old's Arsenal career.
Last summer, he was booed by some sections of Arsenal supporters during pre-season.
However, he has turned things around under Arteta:
Mustafi has now made seven league appearances this season and started Arsenal's last four games in the English top flight.
In all competitions, he has helped the Gunners keep three consecutive clean sheets for the first time this season, with a 0-0 draw at Burnley followed by 4-0 and 1-0 victories over Newcastle United and Olympiacos, respectively.
He had also been substituted before Bournemouth scored in their 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Arsenal on January 27.
Football.London's James Benge hailed the German's performance against Burnley:
I didn’t want to jinx it during the game but how fantastic was Mustafi?
The Telegraph's Sam Dean praised Arteta for his role in helping Mustafi turn things around:
It says a lot about Arteta’s work on the training ground that Mustafi, Xhaka and Saka (playing out of position) have been three of Arsenal’s best performers since his appointment.
Mustafi's contract expires in 2021, so this summer is the Gunners' last major opportunity to recoup the £35 million they spent on him in 2016.
Before Arsenal consider extending his stay, he'll need to show he can sustain his improved form long term, but if he can keep this level up until the remainder of the campaign, it may be worth doing.
If they decide it would be better to cash in on him, his improved form will likely generate much more interest in him than he might otherwise have received.
Alexandre Lacazette, Arsenal Beat Olympiacos 1-0 in Europa League 1st Leg
Feb 20, 2020
Arsenal's French striker Alexandre Lacazette celebrates after he scores the opening goal of the UEFA Europa League round of 32 first leg football match between Olympiakos and Arsenal at the Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus, near Athens, on February 20, 2020. (Photo by LOUISA GOULIAMAKI / AFP) (Photo by LOUISA GOULIAMAKI/AFP via Getty Images)
Alexandre Lacazette struck late to secure a 1-0 win for Arsenal over Olympiacos in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League last-32 tie at the Karaiskakis Stadium on Thursday.
The hosts came flying out of the blocks and carved out two chances in the opening five minutes. Goalkeeper Bernd Leno saved from Mathieu Valbuena, and Giorgos Masouras headed over from close range.
The Gunners slowly grew into the game, with Lacazette wasting their best chance of the first half. The Frenchman smashed an effort wide of the post after being teed up by Gabriel Martinelli.
A tight second half saw few clear-cut chances for either side until Lacazette tapped home the winner on 81 minutes from a cross in from the left by Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta recalled midfielder Matteo Guendouzi to his starting XI for the trip to Greece and brought Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Joe Willock and Martinelli back into his team.
The Gunners had lost four of their previous nine encounters against the Greek side and will have been relieved not to have conceded an early goal after a frantic start.
The first chance arrived with less than three minutes on the clock. Omar Elabdellaoui and Youssef El-Arabi combined to set up Valbuena for a shot on goal, but Leno managed to claw away his low effort.
Arteta's decision to start his first-choice goalkeeper received praise:
Decision to play Leno already paying dividends for Arteta. Decent stop there as Luiz nearly turned in an own goal.
Olympiacos attacked again when Masouras managed to head over Valbuena's cross at the far post, although the flag had gone up for offside.
An eventful opening saw Arsenal go close at the other end. Lacazette was inches away from converting Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's cross on the stretch.
Lacazette then went even closer after 20 minutes. Martinelli did well to keep the ball in play and pull the ball back to his team-mate inside the penalty area, but the Frenchman's shot was rushed and flew wide:
Lacazette has forgotten how to shoot properly.
— James Dall (jamesdall.bsky.social) (@JamesDall_) February 20, 2020
The second half was a cagey affair, with Leno the busier of the two goalkeepers. The German produced smart saves to deny Valbuena and El-Arabai and put in a commanding performance in the Arsenal goal.
Arsenal secured the win with the only goal of the game inside the final 10 minutes. Aubameyang did well to keep the ball in play and send Saka surging forward. The 18-year-old then produced a fine low cross to pick out Lacazette in front of goal and convert from close range (UK video only):
Alex Lacazette strikes to put Arsenal ahead vs Olympiacos...
The Gunners might have had a second strike in the closing minutes. Lacazette saw another effort saved by goalkeeper Jose Sa, while Dani Ceballos' corner was headed on to the woodwork by Sokratis.
Arteta may rue his side's ability to add a second, but the win and the away goal puts the Gunners in charge of the tie ahead of the return leg at the Emirates Stadium.
What's Next?
Both teams are back in domestic action on Sunday. Arsenal host Everton in the Premier League, while Olympiacos, who are top of Greece's Super League, are away at second-placed PAOK.
The second leg of the tie will be at the Emirates Stadium next Thursday.
Mikel Arteta Says Dropping Matteo Guendouzi 'Was About the Way We Train'
Feb 19, 2020
ST ALBANS, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 19: Arsenal Manager, Mikel Arteta looks on during a Arsenal Training Session at London Colney on February 19, 2020 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Matteo Guendouzi's performances in training left head coach Mikel Arteta unimpressed during Arsenal's winter break in Dubai.
Guendouzi was dropped for Sunday's 4-0 win at home to Newcastle United, and Arteta explained why, per Sam Dean of The Telegraph: "It was about the way we train, the way we play, the way we live."
A quick reprieve seems likely for Guendouzi, with Dean confirming fellow midfielder Lucas Torreira is expected to miss Thursday's trip to Olympiacos in the UEFA Europa League last 32 because of illness.
However, Arteta's words speak to the increased demands being placed on Guendouzi and those around him. Arteta took over on December 26 and has quickly set about making the Gunners a more hardworking and tougher-to-beat outfit.
It's shown up in the results, with the emphatic victory against the Magpies making it just one defeat in 10 games across all competitions. The numbers are impressive, but the turnaround hasn't been without problems.
One of those issues reportedly involved Guendouzi, "who clashed with Arteta on the training pitch before the argument continued at the team hotel later that evening" in Dubai, per Dean.
Arteta didn't mince his words when he was asked about Guendouzi's absence immediately after Newcastle had been vanquished:
Arteta’s reasons for not including Guendouzi today hint at discipline. “The reason is that players who, in my opinion, are training better, behaving better and are more applied to deliver on the pitch, what we want, are the players selected.” #AFC#ARSNEW#Arteta@beINSPORTS_EN
Listening to his boss double down on the same sentiment should speak volumes to Guendouzi, who was back in training ahead of Olympiacos, about the need to improve.
The 20-year-old impressed many with his performances last season, arriving from FC Lorient for a modest fee but quickly becoming a key figure on Unai Emery's watch. With Emery gone, Guendouzi's role has steadily diminished.
He's completed 90 minutes on just two occasions in the Premier League since Arteta took charge. Significantly, the Gunners failed to win either game, losing 2-1 at home to Chelsea on December 29 before drawing 0-0 away to Burnley earlier this month.
There is a sense that Guendouzi can occasionally slow the pace of Arsenal's passing. He's often cautious with his choices and can be lethargic making decisions, taking too many touches before releasing the ball.
Arteta wants a quicker, more artful possession game. He got it on Sunday with Real Madrid loanee Dani Ceballos back in the lineup.
Ceballos joined Granit Xhaka at the heart of the engine room and was neat and daring with his passing. The 23-year-old and ensured the ball quickly made its way to creative No. 10 Mesut Ozil.
Football.London's James Benge showed how Ceballos made things easier for chief architect Ozil:
Meanwhile Ceballos was spreading play to the flanks, using Saka and Bellerin to create yet more room for Ozil to operate, as well as Aubameyang and Pepe https://t.co/n2KPkXmPPzpic.twitter.com/T4zS9Sbip7
Ceballos and Xhaka are both more progressive with the ball than Guendouzi. Meanwhile, a fully fit Torreira is a more effective destroyer in front of the back four.
It means Guendouzi will struggle to find a definite role in a more organised team setup unless he takes the next step in his development. Arteta knows what he wants from his players, both on and off the ball, and the onus is on Guendouzi to prove he can be an asset in both phases of the game.
Santi Cazorla Says He Wants to 'Say Goodbye Properly' to Arsenal
Feb 19, 2020
MIRANDA DE EBRO, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 05: Santi Cazorla of Villarreal CF looks on prior to the Copa del Rey Quarter Final match between CD Mirandes and Villarreal CF at Estadio de Anduva on February 05, 2020 in Miranda de Ebro, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Santi Cazorla won't feel his career is complete unless he gets the chance to bid farewell to Arsenal the right way. Cazorla left the Gunners in 2018 and joined Villarreal on a free transfer, ending an injury nightmare in north London but also leaving the playmaker with a bitter taste.
Cazorla spelled out his regrets during an interview with BBC Sport's Tom Rostance:
"It was frustrating to not be able to say goodbye to a club who treated me so well. It is something left in my career to say goodbye properly. I am eternally grateful to the club and the fans for the way they continue to treat me."
Returning to La Liga has provided a fillip to the winter of Cazorla's career. The 35-year-old has thrived during a second spell with the Yellow Submarine, playing his way back into the Spain national team in the process.
Now Cazorla wants a place with La Roja for this summer's UEFA Euro 2020. Participating at the tournament would be "the best way to say goodbye to the national team."
Saying goodbye is a recurring theme with Cazorla, who is enjoying a swan-song to his playing days he likely never thought he'd get. Things looked bleak when the diminutive maestro left a UEFA Champions League group game against Ludogorets with an ankle problem back in October 2016.
The injury turned out to be worse than first feared, and this ultimately became Cazorla's last appearance in an Arsenal shirt. A bacterial infection incurred during surgery put Cazorla's foot at risk, but treatment in Spain eventually saved both the limb and his career.
Cazorla rebounded, but it's debatable if Arsenal have ever fully recovered from losing the creative heartbeat of the team. Playing in a deeper role behind roving No. 10 Mesut Ozil and versatile forward Alexis Sanchez, Cazorla kept things ticking over in possession for the Gunners.
He had already helped Arsenal win two FA Cups and become one of the best signings from the latter days of Arsene Wenger's time in charge after arriving from Malaga at a cost of less than £15 million in 2012.
Wenger's team was second in the Premier League and level on points with leaders Manchester City when Cazorla went down. Without the metronome in midfield, the Gunners finished fifth, ending a two-decade stint in the UEFA Champions League.
Cazorla missed the following season, Wenger's last, where Arsenal finished sixth and again missed out on the Champions League, a tournament the club is still struggling to re-enter.
Villarreal have a similar aim, with the squad sixth and two points off the top four. Cazorla's eight goals and five assists have been a big part of Villarreal's European push.
While Cazorla is focused on the Yellow Submarine, he is also keeping an eye on Arsenal, particularly on how former midfield team-mate Mikel Arteta is faring in the dugout.
Arteta has lost just one of 10 games in all competitions since taking charge on December 26. Cazorla talked up his potential to restore the Gunners to former glories, telling Rostance: "He was always a leader in the dressing room. It was the right decision to put him in as manager."
Reuniting Arteta and Cazorla as part of the latter's farewell tour with Arsenal is something the club can make happen. Football.London's Tashan Deniran-Alleyne and James Benge noted how head of football Raul Sanllehi is ready to talk to Cazorla's agent about a possible, although yet unspecified, return.
It would be a fitting way to thank one of the most popular and gifted players of Arsenal's modern era, a talent whose injury woes were as big a factor as any in the club's recent decline from Champions League regular to begrudging UEFA Europa League participant.
Olympiacos vs. Arsenal: Europa Odds, Live Stream, TV Schedule
Feb 19, 2020
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 16: David Luiz of Arsenal celebrates his sides fourth goal scored by Alexandre Lacazette and team mates during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on February 16, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Arsenal will resume their pursuit of another UEFA Europa League final appearance on Thursday, when they travel to Olympiacos in the first leg of their last-32 clash.
The Gunners breezed through the group stage of the competition and should go into this showdown in Greece with a swagger. They produced their best performance under the tutelage of new manager Mikel Arteta on Sunday, coasting to a 4-0 win over Newcastle United.
Olympiacos dropped into the Europa League after finishing behind Bayern Munich and Tottenham Hotspur in their UEFA Champions League group. The Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium is an intimidating venue, though, and the Gunners will need to be at their best to take a positive result back to London.
Here are the main viewing details for the match, odds and a preview of what's to come in Piraeus.
Before Sunday's Premier League showdown with Newcastle, there had been minor improvements made by the Gunners under the tutelage of Arteta.
The manager would have been delighted with the manner in which the team performed against the Magpies, though, with all of their big-name attacking players getting on the scoresheet:
Per James McNicholas of The Athletic, there were a number of forwards who appeared relieved to score in the game:
Thoroughly enjoyed that second half.
Pepe excellent, and goals for Ozil and Lacazette could do wonders for their confidence. Rarely do you see a player celebrate with such relief as Laca showed.
When Arsenal signed Nicolas Pepe for a club-record fee last summer, there was much excitement about what he could offer alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Mesut Ozil.
That quartet hasn't really hit top gear, though, with Pepe struggling to adapt to the pace of the English game and Lacazette lacking his trademark goalscoring touch this term. However, the match against Newcastle was a tantalising insight into what these players could offer.
Per B/R Football, it was the first time Arsenal's high-profile forwards had netted in the same game:
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe all score in a game for Arsenal for the first time 🤝 pic.twitter.com/8fFbBJC7IA
There will likely be some personnel changes on Thursday, with Arteta looking to juggle domestic and European commitments.
After beginning Sunday's game on the bench, it will be intriguing to see if Lacazette gets the nod up top, or if the manager goes with Eddie Nketiah again.
Per Football.London, the Arsenal boss expects the Frenchman to make an impact off the bench:
Olympiacos represent a tough draw for the Gunners. They were impressive on home soil in the Champions League, beating Red Star Belgrade, drawing with Tottenham Hotspur and losing narrowly to Bayern Munich.
If the Greek side are going to make it through this tie, they will need to build a healthy lead in Piraeus. In Youssef El-Arabi and Mathieu Valbuena, they have attacking players who are a little past their best but still dangerous when given opportunities.
Daniel Podence shone for Olympiacos in the early months of the campaign, and Arsenal will be thankful they don't have to deal with his tricky wing play. As a result, the Gunners should do enough to ensure there is parity at the halfway stage of the tie.
Prediction: Olympiacos 2-2 Arsenal
Bukayo Saka Discusses Arsenal Future Questions, Newcastle Win, More
Feb 18, 2020
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 16: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal takes on Valentino Lazaro of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on February 16, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Arsenal youngster Bukayo Saka isn't focused on questions regarding his future at the club after a starring display in the 4-0 win over Newcastle United on Sunday.
The 18-year-old's current contract runs until the end of next season, and Manchester United, Liverpool and Bayern Munich are reportedly keeping an eye on him.
He's not letting contract negotiations influence his play, however, per MailOnline's Daniel Matthews: "I just leave all that stuff to my agent and my parents. I just enjoy my football and play my football. They're sorting it out. Of course I'm enjoying my football, enjoying playing under the new coach so we'll see what happens."
The youngster's rise has been one of the best developments at the club of the last few weeks, and at least one fan urged the Gunners to give Saka whatever he wants to sign a new deal:
Let Bukayo Saka write whatever number he wants on that new contract.
While he's not a natural full-back, he's relishing playing the position under manager Mikel Arteta and thinks it could benefit him in the long run:
"I'm really enjoying my football under the new manager. It's not my natural position, but he's given me all the advice I need.
"I learned a lot about how wingers in the Premier League play against defenders…I feel like my dream was always to be a winger, to affect games, score goals and get assists. For now I'll do the job the manager asks me to.
[…]
"In the future if I do get to go back on to the wing I feel like I know how full-backs play and playing as a full-back I know what wingers do, what I like them to do and what I don't like them to do. It's a good learning experience for me."
The teenager enjoyed arguably his best outing yet against Newcastle on Sunday, routinely beating his marker in the 4-0 win. The highlight came when he nutmegged Valentino Lazaro on his way to assisting Nicolas Pepe:
He has more assists than anyone else on the team:
8 - Bukayo Saka has assisted eight goals in all competitions this season, two more than any teammate; he also has the most assists of any Premier League teenager this season. Bright. pic.twitter.com/C8ea17WbB2
The win leaves Arsenal six points behind rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who sit in fifth place in the standings.
It was the team's first win in their last five Premier League tries, and it could do wonders for the squad's confidence, according to Saka: "This will really give us that push we need. It will give us a lot of confidence. It shows we can do it, we can score goals. We just need to shut up at the back and we can score goals. As long as we continue to play like this we'll win games."
Arsenal haven't hit their best form yet under Arteta, but they are unbeaten in all competitions since December and are still alive in the UEFA Europa League and the FA Cup. They'll face Olympiacos in Europe on Thursday.
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 16: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal is closed down by Sean Longstaff of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on February 16, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo b
The race for the Premier League's top four is a tight one, with just seven points separating fourth-placed Chelsea from 10th-placed Arsenal. A top-five finish might be enough to qualify for the Champions League, with Manchester City currently appealing a two-year UEFA ban for financial fair play violations, per BBC Sport'sDan Roan.
The Gunners have some ground to make up but can start against Everton on Sunday.
The Toffees sit two points ahead of them after a solid run of three wins in their last five matches. Carlo Ancelotti and his troops face a tricky slate of fixtures, however, with the Gunners, United, Chelsea and Liverpool up next.
Arsenal's schedule will ease off after the Olympiacos double-header and the visit from Everton. They'll face Portsmouth in the FA Cup before clashes with West Ham United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Southampton.
Alexandre Lacazette: Nicolas Pepe Gaining Confidence in World's 'Hardest League'
Feb 17, 2020
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 16: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on February 16, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Alexandre Lacazette has backed Nicolas Pepe to shine at Arsenal now that he's had time to adapt to the rigours of Premier League football.
Pepe arrived from Lille last summer in a £72 million move, making him the Gunners' record signing.
Per Goal's Charles Watts, Lacazette said after Arsenal's 4-0 win over Newcastle United on Sunday:
"I used to say we need to be patient with him. He is still young, he came from another league and it is always different.
"The Premier League is the hardest league in the world I think, so you have to be nice with new players like him.
"He is someone who needs confidence and when you give him confidence he is better. He just needs time to understand how the league is and now we can see a really good Nicolas Pepe."
Pepe set up two goals and found the net himself as the Gunners dispatched the Magpies at the Emirates Stadium.
He provided the cross for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's 54th-minute header and got on the scoresheet three minutes later when he converted Bukayo Saka's ball into the middle.
After Lacazette assisted Mesut Ozil for Arsenal's third, Pepe turned provider for the Frenchman:
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta praised the winger after the match:
Football.London's James Benge observed Pepe's need to continue adapting to English football, but he was impressed with the Ivory Coast international:
There’s so much technical quality with Pepe. The game experience isn’t quite there yet in England but when it works out for him he’s something else. If I were Arteta I’d really enjoy working on getting the best out of him.
Following the win over Newcastle, Pepe has six goals and seven assists to his name for Arsenal in all competitions. Only Aubameyang, with 17 goals and one assist, has had a direct hand in more Arsenal goals this season.
The Gunners will want a stronger return than that given the size of their investment, but there's plenty of time remaining in the campaign for him to improve on both tallies.
The 24-year-old notched 23 goals and 12 assists for Lille last season, so he has shown he can become a consistent match-winner for Arsenal once he's fully integrated and settled at the Emirates.
