Olivier Giroud scored his first hat-trick for Arsenal to ensure the Gunners qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League by beating Olympiakos.<\/p>\n
Needing to win by two clear goals, the Gunners produced a performance of nerve and nous to finish second in Group F.<\/p>\n
Giroud headed the opener in the first half, then stroked home the second after good work by Joel Campbell.<\/p>\n
The French striker put Arsenal’s qualification beyond doubt with his third from the penalty spot.<\/p>\n
Arsenal have never failed to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League since the start of the new format in 2003-04, and their experience on the biggest stage shone through on a memorable night in Athens.<\/p>\n
They weathered the early enthusiasm from the physical home side, who were backed by typically partisan support, and slowly seized the initiative with a composed performance.<\/p>\n
Mathieu Flamini had already hit the bar before Giroud opened the scoring with a near-post header which went in off the goalkeeper, Roberto.<\/p>\n
The second was the best goal of the night as Giroud won a flick-on on the halfway line and timed his run into the box to perfection before stroking home.<\/p>\n
The third was slightly more fortuitous as Omar Elabdellaoui was penalised for handling Nacho Monreal’s shot and Giroud stepped up to convert with ease.<\/p>\n
Follow Us<\/p>\n