Ten seasons ago, Arsenal narrowly lost to Barcelona in the Uefa Champions League final, going down 2-1 in Paris after leading 1-0 until the 76th minute despite Jens Lehmann’s early red card.
A decade on, Arsene Wenger’s side face an uphill battle to even qualify for the knockout stage of Europe’s premier club competition after a shock 3-2 defeat at home to Olympiakos.
This was no smash-and-grab, nor a mere backs-to-the-wall effort from a team who packed 11 men behind the ball and simply hoped for the best.
The Greek champions were the better team in the first period, well-organised in the defensive phase of play but willing to push men on when the opportunity presented itself. While they had to dig in for much of the second half, ceding possession and only sporadically venturing forward on the counter, it was hard to begrudge them a famous victory.
While Olympiacos therefore deserve great credit for a fine performance, serious questions must be asked of this Arsenal side, who were lethargic and lacklustre in the first 45 despite knowing that all three points were a must. Olympiacos more than held their own, enjoying some decent spells with the ball and creating a number of half-chances that caused the Emirates Stadium crowd to momentarily hold its collective breath.
Aside from a couple of counter-attacks led by the blistering Alexis Sanchez through the centre of the pitch, Arsenal barely troubled the visitors. Their passing was slow and imprecise, the pressing disjointed and too easy to play around.
It was certainly not against the run of the play, then, when Felipe Pardo gave Olympiakos the lead, the winger’s shot from the edge of the area deflecting in off Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
A quick response was vital, and Arsenal duly delivered. Sanchez showed a mix of strength and skill to hold off two opponents and slide a pass through to Theo Walcott, who opened up his body and tucked the ball home.
That goal should have sparked the hosts into life; instead, it had the opposite effect. Olympiakos, unperturbed by Arsenal’s response, pushed forward and got themselves back in front after a horrendous error from goalkeeper David Ospina. The cameras immediately panned to Petr Cech, the first-choice custodian questionably rested by Wenger with Sunday’s clash with Manchester United in mind.
Arsenal raced out of the traps after the break, camping themselves in the Olympiakos half until Sanchez nodded home an equaliser in the 65th minute.
All of the old doubts about leadership, concentration and defensive organisation returned within the space of 60 seconds, however, as the visitors charged forward from kick-off and went back ahead after a brilliant move was finished off expertly by substitute Alfred Finnbogason.
Arsenal, growing increasingly desperate with every passing minute, poured forward but could not find a leveller.
Back-to-back games with Bayern Munich await, bringing the very real possibility that Wenger’s men could still be without a point after four group stage encounters.
Qualification, in that case, may no longer be possible. 10 years on from their runners-up medals in Paris, Wenger and Arsenal look further away from European glory than ever.
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