Arsenal vs Olympiacos: 4 talking points after quarter-final progression

Arsenal Wasteful in Front of Goal

The front three that were put out tonight disappointed.

Emile Smith Rowe struggled until Martin Odegaard was introduced as the partnership with Dani Ceballos was not clicking; Nicolas Pepe was one of few who could hold his head up to a decent level after a workmanlike outing, and Aubameyang looked like he’d ran to the ground from his home to avoid driving and getting caught in traffic.

Smith Rowe is let off the hook as he pressed and fought in the duels even if he wasn’t anywhere near as clinical on the ball, while Pepe also showed glimpses but was let down by his own poor finishing in a match that was suited to him for large spells.

Aubameyang was awful, though.

The chances he missed are ones that he can’t be begrudged for too much. Opportunities will come and go, just as they’ll be scored and missed. However, his overall display lack impetus. He seemed languid, tired and slow. It was instructed to him by Arteta to shift out to the left but his role in the build-up play left loads to be desired.

A display to apologise, in a way, to his manager and teammates was what was expected, yet this seemed more like he was still sulking. A fragility.

It was a funny one as despite being poor throughout on Thursday, Arsenal could easily have scored four. Good to see chances being created even when playing badly. Arsenal weren’t doing that four months ago. Still, start tucking these chances away. Everyone.