Odegaard and Arteta react after Arsenal 3-1 win over Olympiakos.

Europa League... Olympiakos 1-3 Arsenal

The Gunners sealed a vital victory over Olympiakos despite their costly mistake. [Getty]

Martin Odegaard said Arsenal showed their spirit in their 3-1 win over Olympiakos in the Europa League.

Arsenal dominated and took the lead through Martin Odegaard, who found the net with a thunderous strike in the first half.

Then Mikel Arteta’s boys shot themselves in the foot for a second fixture running as they gifted Olympiakos a goal, but goals from Gabriel Magalhaes and Mohamed Elneny ensured Arsenal put one foot into the quarter-final of the competition.

Following the last 16 first-leg victory, midfielder Odegaard told BT Sport: "It is a big win for us, a great result with three goals away from home and win in this competition is always good.

"The mentality in this team is great. Very pleased with everything. We showed the spirit in the team and the way we back each other. If one player makes a mistake then we react. That is what it is about, being a team. When one player makes a mistake you have to strike back as a team.

"I wanted to get a shot on goal, luckily I had a good hit and it went in. I have felt at home since the first day, I am happy to be here and feel great.

"It is just half time. We have to keep going. We have a big game on Saturday and then have to be ready for next Thursday. It is very important, we are not where we want to be in the league so this is very important for us and a chance to get Champions League football next year."

'We showed a lot of personality,' says Arteta.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta added: "We started the game really well, really dominant and creating a lot of chances.

"We gave them a goal trying to play out from the back but then we reacted well to score two more goals. Overall a really positive result but we have to stop making the errors that are costing goals because we cannot sustain that.

"It isn't about concentration it is about when you play the ball. It is not about stopping the way we play because this is us.

"We were really solid, really dominant. We showed a lot of personality to come here and dominate like we did. The next thing is to do that for 90 minutes and give nothing to the opponent.

"This is half time and anything can happen. Full focus and we start 0-0 again in the second leg and try to win the game.

On Thomas Partey's withdrawal, the Spaniard said: "It was a tactical decision."

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