Olympiacos player once had Mikel Arteta fearing for his job as Arsenal manager

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A familiar face will return to the Emirates on matchday two of the Champions League as Arsenal host Olympiacos.

The reigning Greek champions head to North London for the Emirates’ first taste of Champions League action this season.

Arsenal beat Athletic Club away from home in the opening fixture and will look to build on their first three points when Jose Luis Mendilibar’s side pay a visit.

Olympiacos’ visit to the Emirates brings some anxiety following the 2020 nightmare in the Europa League, and that wasn’t the only poor result Arsenal and Mikel Arteta suffered that year.

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Olympiacos winger Daniel Podence punished Arsenal and Mikel Arteta in 2020

2020 was a tough year for Arsenal, coming off the back of an eighth-place finish and then securing another.

In February, Olympiacos denied the Gunners’ progression in the Europa League, but Arteta’s problems continued far deeper into the year.

In November, Arsenal suffered defeat to Wolves in the Premier League, losing to goals from Pedro Neto and Daniel Podence, with the latter set to return to the Emirates.

Podence, who is on loan at Olympiacos for the season, secured Wolves’ win over Arsenal in 2020, a defeat for the Gunners that had Arteta responding to questions about the safety of his job.

“The day I decided to be a coach, I knew that one day I will be sacked or leave the football club,” Arteta told Sky Sports after the match.

“My only concern is to get the best out of the players and give the best possible service to the club.”

Podence knows how to inflict damage on Arsenal, just as he did in 2020, and will be hoping to have a similar impact when he returns with Olympiacos.

Podence shares his thoughts on Arsenal

Having spent four-and-a-half years on Wolves’ books, Podence knows what it’s like to play against Arsenal.

Before the Champions League clash at the Emirates, the Portuguese star shared his verdict on Arsenal, based on experience and what he’s seen in recent years.

“From my point of view, Arsenal play fast, with intensity, and they’re strong,” Podence said in his pre-match press conference.

“I’ve played here before, and it’s always tough. We’ll need to be smart and take advantage of the good moments we create.”

Podence has faced Arsenal six times in his career, winning twice with Wolves, both coming during the 2020/21 season.