Arsenal v Olympiakos: 3 Things To Watch For

Arsenal need more than a win against Olympiakos. A lot is going to have to go right. Here are three things to watch for as the action unfolds.

Venue: Karaiskakis Stadium

Date: December 9 (EST)

As I write this pre-match piece, I can’t help but sigh in disappointment. Watching that match against Sunderland was quite painful for both my eyes and my heart to bear. Although winning is winning, Arsenal have not seemed like themselves lately. A lack of organization at the back and a lack of precision and execution up front have been key reasons as to why Arsenal have struggled.

Against Olympiacos, Arsenal need a win by a margin of more than two goals. Without Alexis, that is going to be a challenge. Away from home, playing in Greece will make this task seem like a mountain. And since I have claimed I will not predict wins for Arsenal until they start proving they are not a mess anymore, I have to go with a tie for this game.

Prediction: Olympiacos 1-1 Arsenal

1) Watch and Cherish Ozil’s Brilliance

Remember when we all laughed at the idea that Ozil can be a Ballon D’Or winner? Actually, everyone laughed at the idea that Ozil can even be a finalist. Well the only one laughing is Ozil and the few Arsenal supporters that had complete faith in the German wizard. I like to think I am one of those people, because throughout the past year, I have been writing time and time again that Ozil will come through. Initially I, was constantly disappointed, at times seriously doubting the German’s ability and believing his success previously was in large part due to his team mates in Madrid.

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As per Squawka.com, Ozil has created an amazing 63 chances with 12 of those turning into a league leading 12 assists. However, the more telling stats are his shooting numbers. This year Ozil has eight shots on target, five shots off target and a further nine shots blocked resulting in a shot accuracy of 62%. Compared to the same stat line from last year, Ozil had 13 on target, 11 off target and five blocked in 22 appearances. Ozil’s willingness to shoot the ball when given the opportunity may not make him the best No. 10 player in the world but it does make the defense respect that aspect of his game and allow him the chance to provide even more assists.

2) Ramsey is home

Home may be where the heart is, and if that Sunderland game was a true reflection on what is to come, Ramsey must feel at home in the middle of the pitch. I think we here at Pain in the Arsenal have called for Ramsey to move back to the middle of the pitch since forever. I am also quite sure we write articles complaining about this at least once a month.

So if Ozil is the wizard in the middle of it all, Ramsey must be the workhorse of the team. Ramsey’s ability to be a top class box to box midfielder was on show this past weekend. Although he didn’t have an outstanding performance, we all saw why he is so much more effective in the middle. Ramsey’s ability to make long darting runs after passing off the ball at midfield is truly spectacular. On the right side, such runs are a liability because it makes the pitch more congested in the middle. However, when done in the middle of the pitch with wingers supporting either side, these runs are very helpful and only gives Ozil more chances.

Arsenal FC /

Arsenal FC

It hasn’t been long enough to see any statistical differences, as Ramsey has only been deployed in the middle for one game. But with Cazorla out for a while I think we can look back and see if Ramsey truly deserves to be playing in the middle more than the great and shifty Cazorla.

3) Arsenal Losing/Tying might not be too bad

Hear me out before people start freaking out about this. Arsenal are currently second in the Premier League, with Leicester City on top (and their one loss coming from Arsenal). This year more than any previous years, there is no clear cut, dominant team in the league. Manchester City can’t score without Aguero. United just can’t score. Liverpool are good but had a horrible start. Tottenham will never finish above Arsenal. And Chelsea, well I just wonder if Mourinho will leave the Premier League before Chelsea get demoted from the Premier League.

If I am saying anything, it is this: Arsenal have a great chance at winning a title that actually means something. Arsenal will definitely not win the Champions League this year, and given all the injuries and the lack of games Leicester City is playing, Arsenal will greatly benefit from an early exit from the Champions League.

Next: Why Mesut Ozil Needs Aaron Ramsey

I want Arsenal to win every game possible, and I don’t believe that teams should ever lose intentionally. However, the odds of Arsenal winning the Champions League are slim, and the odds of more Arsenal players getting injured while playing meaningless mid-week games is quite high. If Arsenal are to win the league, it will be with a fit and ready Sanchez, Ozil, Ramsey and everyone else.