Arsenal vs. Olympiakos: Score, Highlights and Grades

It was a close battle, but at the end of the day Arsenal came away with a 3-1 victory over Olympiakos in Champions League play at the Emirates.

The match started out with Arsenal's Gervinho scoring in the 42nd minute, giving Arsenal the lead as they looked ahead to halftime.  But Kostas Mitroglou equalized in the 45th minute, giving Olympiakos some momentum heading into the second half.

That momentum was quickly quashed, however, when Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski scored the game-winning goal in the 56th minute.  Welsh midfielder Aaron Ramsey rounded off things for the Gunners late on.

Highlights

Gervinho got Arsenal on the board first, swinging the ball through a defender's legs and past the goalkeeper's outstretched arms.

Mitroglou's equalizer was certainly no gimme, as he headed the ball into the right corner of the net as Arsenal sat stunned before the half.

But it was Podolski's left-footer off a defender that ultimately gave Arsenal the 3-1 victory.

Grades

Arsenal

Lukas Podolski: A

What more can you say about a player who scored the pivotal goal for Arsenal? Podolski was huge for the Gunners and he single-handedly swung the momentum back in Arsenal's favor after Mitroglou's fantastic goal.

Gervinho: A

Gervinho's first half goal gave Arsenal the impetus they needed before halftime. His goal was a thing of beauty and a highly difficult shot.

He came to play on Wednesday, and the club has to be excited about the Ivorian's much improved form this campaign.

Olympiakos

Kostas Mitroglou: A-

Kosta Mitroglou gave his side hope of an upset, but, unfortunately for Olympiakos, they weren't able to capitalize in the second half, however.

Balazs Megyeri: C+

Balazs Megyeri made the plays he could, but he still allowed three goals on five shots on goal. That ratio obviously doesn't get it done.