ATHENS - A second-string Arsenal side failed in their bid to top their Champions League Group, falling 2-1 at Olympiakos and allowing Schalke to clinch Group B despite a 1-1 draw at Montpellier last night.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger rested most of his regulars for the trip to Greece, yet his team led through Tomas Rosicky's crisp first-time shot in the 38th minute.
However, the Gunners again showed defensive frailty when Giannis Maniatis pounced on poor control in the goalmouth by Aaron Ramsey in the 64th minute. Substitute Kostas Mitroglou fired the winner from 22 meters nine minutes later.
Arsenal will have more than two months to regroup before its next Champions League test.
"We had a good first half, but I believe we dropped physically in the second half because many of the players didn't have the match experience at that level," said Wenger, who was overseeing his 150th match in this competition.
Said Olympiakos coach Leonardo Jardim of the victory: "We wanted a win tonight and to make the fans happy - and we did that. Now we must focus on the Europa League." AP
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