Europa League: Arsenal Seal Hard-Earn Victory Over Olympiakos In Knockout Stages Opener

Arsenal opened the first leg of the Europa League knockout stages with an away win over Olympiakos but that victory was hard-earning with a late goal from Alexander Lacazette.

Olympiakos stood the chance of getting an early goal from Mathieu Valbuena's volley which Bernd Leno palmed to safety and he followed up with a cross for a header from Giorgos Masouras but went over the crossbar.

Before Lacazette could end his scoring-drought that has lasted through nine games, he smashed Gabriel Martinelli's cross amiss the goal by a few inches. After the goalless run had through to the 80th minutes, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang inspired the winning goal with a pass to Bukayo Saka and he set the Frenchman off with a pass that he tapped into the net.

Alexander Lacazette ends goal-drought with an assist from Bukayo Saka in Arsenal's 1-0 Olympiacos

Meanwhile, the Greek side nearly got a goal just they slid behind Gunners, as Valbuena's free-kick was saved from sneaking into the net by Leno and upon Youssef El-Arabi's strike to finish off the rebound, he swiftly responded to keep the ball in his hands.

Likewise, Mikel Arteta ended his league draw runs through four games with a massive 4-0 win over Newcastle United on Sunday. Presently, the side's hope of making a Europa League return next season is in doubt as they are 10th in the Premier League.

Arteta praised his squad and Lacazette saying afterward, "That's not just a coincidence. It's something that happens because the energy of the team is putting energy into him as well."

Nevertheless, Gunners' hope participating in European competition next season will depend on victory at this competition which will secure a place for them in the Champions League instead.