Olympiacos boss Pedro Martins delivered his verdict on Arsenal after his side bowed out of the Europa League following a 3-2 aggregate defeat at the Emirates last night.
The Gunners battered the Greek champions in Piraeus last week to bring home a two-goal lead. Arsenal walked out yesterday as the favourites to qualify and they did just that, but Olympiacos showed the world what they are capable of.
They picked up a 1-0 win on the night but sadly for them it wasn’t enough. Martins, however, was delighted with his side’s display against an Arsenal team who he claims are ‘contenders’ to win the Europa League this season.
He said, as per Olympiacos.org: “This means Olympiakos (are) a top club that can look all opponents straight in the eye. It was not easy because we faced a great team. Arsenal is one of the Europa League contenders.
“This is how our future shall be and we have won Europe’s respect.
“Today we won fair and square. We produced a great performance and gave it all. we had the belief and did our outmost. Had we not played in Athens like we did (last week), we would have qualified.”
Can Arsenal win the Europa League?
If Arsenal play like we did yesterday, we can kiss our chances of lifting the trophy goodbye. However, if we play to our full potential, this season’s Europa League is ours to lose.
The Gunners face Slavia Praha next who have done well against British opposition in their last two games. Unai Emery’s Villarreal are the favourites to meet us in the semi-finals while a mouthwatering final against Manchester United is also on the cards.
Mikel Arteta’s men are more than capable of battering all the clubs left in the competition, but the big question is which Arsenal side turns up on matchday.
Hopefully, it’s the same one that got past Manchester City and Chelsea to win the FA Cup last season.
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