Champions League

[monks data]

Champions League | Group Stage

Dec 9, 2015 at 7.45pm UK

Olympiacos Olympiacos
0-3
Arsenal

FT(HT: 0-1)

Giroud (29', 49', 67' pen.)

Half-Time Report: Olivier Giroud goal gives Arsenal lead at Olympiacos

By Stephen Topping, Reporter | 09 December 2015

An Olivier Giroud header gives Arsenal a 1-0 lead at Olympiacos in their Champions League match, as Arsene Wenger's side push for qualification to the knockout stages.

An Olivier Giroud header has given Arsenal a 1-0 lead at Olympiacos in their Champions League match this evening.

Arsenal's French forward Olivier Giroud (L) celebrates scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Champions League Group F football match between Olympiacos and Arsenal at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus near Athens on December 9, 2015. © Getty Images

Despite their need to take three points in Greece, Arsenal made a slow start to the match, as Seba blazed an early chance over the bar for the hosts.

Olympiacos continued to control the first half; Seba fired high and wide from distance, before former Fulham midfielder Pajtim Kasami missed the target.

The Gunners improved as the half went on, and came close to taking the lead on 25 minutes when Mathieu Flamini struck the crossbar, while Giroud was denied by Olympiacos keeper Roberto from a header.

Arsenal took the lead on 29 minutes, as Aaron Ramsey picked out Giroud with an inviting cross, before the French striker headed past Roberto.

Arsene Wenger's side could have doubled their advantage through Theo Walcott, who ran at the Olympiacos defence before trying his luck, only to drag his effort wide.

Olympiacos came close to an equaliser on the stroke of half time, as Ruben Pardo whipped a dangerous ball into the Arsenal box, only for Laurent Koscielny to send over his own crossbar.